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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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AHD THE PR\UC\Pk\.-^ 



MANUFACTURING I COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 



DKistj^:^"^ %Mj^'^^smMM^WM.:j^ . 



Ithaca, N, Y". : 
Jmxrnal As so elation Book and Jab Prlat, 

laaa. 



Copyright by 

Lt. MOHKIS KvRTZ 



.j.2.f<v. 



PREPUCE. 



When work was begun on Ithaca and its Resoi'rces it was my intention to 
devote a large share of my space to the history of Ithaca, but upon consultation 
with several prominent citizens, it was deemed advisable that, as the history of 
Ithaca had been written several times, more or less accurately, and as those feat- 
ures which should give to Ithaca a national, a world-wide reputation, have been 
neglected less space should be devoted to the history and more to a description 
of its magnificent scenery — its attractive surroundings. Accordingly I have given 
largely of my space to a description of Ithaca and its surroundings — fully aware 
of the fact, however, that my feeble attempt in this direction cannot do it justice 
and may not prove satisfactory to readers or critics — merely outlining the history 
of the village and dividing the entire space as nearly equal as possible between 
the description of its surroundings and its resources. Cornell University forming 
a subject of deep interest to every resident of Ithaca, as well as to many people 
throughout the State and land, claimed largely my attention, but I do not think 
any one will regret that so much space has been given the noble institution. Of 
the sketches relating to its resources — the manufacturing and mercantile interests of 
Ithaca — little else need be said than that the statements made therein can be relied 
upon as being only just and accurate. Many, in fact nearly all, of the sketches 
relating to the mercantile interests were written by a gentleman residing in 
Ithaca and possessing an intimate acquaintance with its merchants, 
and his instructions were "be careful that no statements are made 
that you cannot substantiate," and I believe they were fully carried out. 
Of course it was impossible within the limits of the work to review every manu- 
facturing and mercantile establishment, but an opportunity was given every lead- 
ing manufacturer and merchant to be represented in the book, and I regret that a 
few did not avail themselves of the opportunity ; but I am pleased to state that 
the number of those thus refusing to do their part towards making the work 
complete and a success are very few indeed, and I feel that it is complete with- 



w 



PK^^NCt. 



out them — that the showing made by the enterprising representatives of the in- 
dustrial and commercial interests, who availed themselves of the opportunity, 
reflects the greatest credit upon themselves and the "Forest Cit3%" and that no 
exceptions can be taken to my assertions. Although written very hurriedly, I 
have been careful to verify such statements as might be questioned, and am 
confident that the entire work is as reliable and accurate as such a book can be 
made. Where so many have given their encouragment and assistance, it is im- 
possible to make personal mention of each, and, therefore, I will conclude these 
prefatory remarks by simply saying that all who have aided me by cither word 
or deed have my sincerest thanks. 

D. M. K. 
Ithaca, October, 1883. 




CONTENTS, 



Location and Surroundings, 

Ithaca Gorge, 

Glenwood, 

Taghanic, 

Buttermilk Creek, 

Enfield Falls, 

Lick Brook, 

Six Mile Creek and Other Falls, 

Cascadilla Glen, 

Cornell University, 

Early History of Ithaca, 

Its Churches, 

Public Schools. 

Its Newspapers, 

Public Buildings and Grounds, 

Local Government, 

Water and Gas, 

Its Facilities and Resources, 

The Forest City Mixed Paint 

Works, 
The Ithaca Calendar Clock Co., 
Marsh & Hall, 
C. J. Rumsey& Co., 
J. C. Stowell & Son, 
Henry Bool, 
Hawkins, Todd & Co., 
Ithaca Manufacturing Works, 
Uri Clark, 

Ithaca Gun Works, . 
The West End Drug Store, 
Jackson & Bush, 
The Clinton House, 
H. V. Bostwick, 
George Small, 
A. B. Wood, 
Dr. F. S. Howe, 
R. C. Christiance, 



7- 


• II 


II- 


- 16 


i6- 


■ 19 


19- 


■ 22 


22- 


■ 24 


24- 


• 26 


26- 


27 


27- 


■ 28 


28- 


29 


30- 


52 


52- 


57 




57 


57- 


58 


58- 


61 


61- 


62 




62 




62 


62- 


63 


63- 


65 


65- 


69 


69- 


'70 


70- 


71 


71- 


72 


72- 


75 


75- 


76 


76- 


78 


78- 


79 


79- 


80 


80- 


81 


81- 


82 


82- 


84 




84 


84- 


85 




85 




86 


86- 


87 



Wortman & Son, 

C. H. VanHouter, 

J. F. Bruen, 

R. A. Heggie, 

White & Burdick. 

The Patrick Wall Shoe Store, 

The Autophone Company, 

C. A. Ives, 

Sheldon & Bliven, . 

C. S. Wixom 

William Frear, 

Reynolds & Lang, 

J. H. Horton, 

Andrus & Church, 

Ithaca Glass Works, 

E. S. Esty & Sons, 

The Ithaca Sign Works, 

Ithaca Telephone Service, 

William M. Culver, 

Shepherd & Doyle, 

Post, Sharp & Co., 

Geo. Griffin, 

Enz & Miller, 

Ackley's News Room, 

The Boston Variety Store, 

Mrs. L. A. Burritt, 

A Record of Fifty Years, 

G. W. Hoysradt. 
Finch & Apgar, 
Andrews & Aldrich, 
George Rankin & Son, 
John Northrup, 
E. W. Prager, 
Nourse & Dederer, 
Jamieson & McKlnney, 
Central N. Y. Accident and 

Relief Association, 



PAGE 

87- 88 
83 



89- 90 
90 

90- 93 
93 

93- 94 
94 

94- 95 

95- 96 
96 

97- 98 

98-100 

100-102 

102 
102-103 
103-104 

104 
104-108 

108 
10S-109 

109 

109 
109-110 

IIO-IXI 

III 

III-iI2 
II2-II3 
II3-II4 
II4-II5 

"5 
II5-II6 

116 





COU"\LHTS. 


^\ 




PAGE 




PAGE 


Harrison Howard, 


. ii6 


Paris & Emig, 


119 


The Ithaca Hotel, 


117 


W. H. Willson, 


120 


Thomas F. Doherty, 


. ii8 


J. T. Morrison, 


I20-I2I 


Tompkins House, 


ii8 


James Quigg, 


121 


E. K. Johnson, 


ii3 


H. M. Straussman, 


I2I-I22 


F. W. Brooks, . 


. 119 


Conclusion, 


122 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Mouth of Fall Creek . g 

Ithaca Fall, Ithaca Gorge . 11 

The mouth of the Tunnel . . 12 

Forest Fall, Ithaca Gorge . . 13 

Glenwood ... 16 

Taghanic Falls ... 21 

Ravine in Buttermilk Creek . 23 

Enfield Ravine . . 25 
Enfield Falls . . .27 

Third Fall, Lick Brook . . 29 

Cornell University Campus . . 31 
A View of the University at an 

Earlier Period ' . -35 

The Sage College for Women . 39 



The New Chemical and Physical 

Laboratory 
Sage Chapel 
Ezra Cornell 
The President's House 
The Journal Block 
Ithaca Calendar Clock Works . 
Bool's Buildings 
The Clinton House 
Autophones . . . . 

Ithaca Glass Works 
Post, Sharp & Co's. Road and 

Village Carts 
The Ithaca Hotel 



43 
45 
47 
50 
59 
66-67 

■ 74 
83 
92 

99 

106 
117 




^ jHscs t SND I ITS t Resources. 



^^#^ 





YING between two hills, the summits of which tower about 
seven hundred feet above it on either side, Cayuga Lake, forty 
miles in length, from a mile and a half to five miles wide, and 
^T^ from one hundred to four hundred feet in depth, is like — to use 
an inelegant comparison — "an immense trough cut in the great 
plateau or backbone of Central New York." The hill on the 
west divides Cayuga from Seneca, and the water it sheds is dis- 
tributed into the two lakes; that on the east forms the watershed 
between Cayuga and the Tioughnioga River, and the hills clos- 
ing it in at the southern extremity divide their waters between 
the lake and the Susquehanna River. At the head of Cayuga a 
tract of land nearly level, two miles long and one and a half wide, extends 
south from the lake shore, the hills surrounding it on the south, east and west 
rising rather abruptly to a height of several hundred feet. Upon this plain 
and the adjacent hillslopes is built the village of Ithaca. 

The entire descent from the great table land to the lake level is from 700 to 
900 feet, of which 400 to 600 feet are accomplished within the last mile of distance. 
The soil of this bottom land is a rich, deep alluvium, and was in ages past cov- 
ered by the waters of the lake, shells having been found on the hillsides at a 
height of 40 and 50 feet which were undoubtedly left there by the receding wa- 
ters. Through the village wind their way, forming the head waters of Cayuga 
lake, the streams which, having come rushing, tumbling, thundering down the 
hills, now so quietly meander along as though bereft of their power, exhausted 
by their rough and perilous journey toward the calm and peaceful lake: Fall, 
Cascadilla, Six Mile, Buttermilk and Enfield Creeks, the four latter mingling 
their limpid waters with the deep and sluggish Cayuga Inlet, which, after reaching 
the lowlands, is of sufficient depth for nearly a mile before emptying into the 
lake to float the steamers plying upon it. 



The streams in their course from the table lands to the lake have worn deep 
channels in the rocks, and the waterfalls which were once, probably, at the face 
of the bluffs, have receded in some instances more than a mile, forming below 
deep, rocky chasms bordered by perpendicular walls. The rocks are composed 
of strata of different degrees of hardness, and the water has worn them irregular- 
ly, the soft and yielding shales generally forming a declining surface, while the 
hard and compact limestone retains its perpendicular form. Thus it happens 
that the hills surrounding Ithaca on the east, south and west, which from a dis- 
tance charm the eye with scenes of quiet beauty, verdant slope and sunny wood- 
land, contain within their bosoms in form of glen and rock and waterfall, a 
wealth of wonders which cannot elsewhere be found in so small a compass. 

Within ten miles of Ithaca there are one hundred and fifty waterfalls — cas- 
cades and cataracts. Found in dark gorges and in beautiful glens, all of them 
accessible, each one possessing peculiar features of interest in connection with 
its surroundings, many with special characteristics which, independent of the 
rest, attract visitors and captivate them by the beauties and grandeur presented, 
nowhere east of the Rocky Mountains has nature been more lavish with her gifts 
of wonder and awe-inspiring scenery. 

Ithaca itself, apart from these attractions, is worthy of note as being the most 
picturesque and beautiful village in the State of New York. Clustered here on 
this level plain and hills surrounding is a community of nearly 12,000 people. 
Down on the "flat" broad streets cross each other at right angles and are lined 
on either side by umbrageous trees, with overhanging branches and variegated 
leaves. Handsome residences, well-kept lawns and pretty little parks add much 
to its attractiveness, and the business portion of the village is marked by spacious 
brick blocks of imposing dimensions and architecture. The hills on the south, 
the east and the west are dotted with beautiful villas, elegant mansions and pret- 
ty cottages, while crowning the summit of the East Hill are the magnificent 
structures of Cornell University. The view from any of these points is pictur- 
esque in the extreme, but probably more comprehensive and charming from the 
hills on the south. Almost rivalling the far-famed "Switchback" at Mauch 
Chunk, in Pennsylvania, entering Ithaca from the south over the Delaware, 
Lackawanna and Western Railroad is one of the greatest pleasures yet reserved 
for the tourist, for strange as it may seem, with all its attractions of rock, glen, 
waterfall and lake scenery, this beautiful village is but little frequented, compar- 
atively, by these seekers after pleasure and novelty — and mainly from a lack of 
knowledge as to its existence, it probably never having been properly brought to 
their notice. 

Running in a northwesterly direction from Owego, this railroad, upon reach- 
ing the summit of South Hill, first forms a letter A^ on the brow of the hill, then 
running around the hillside continues its descent in a southwesterly direction until 
it reaches the lowlands about two miles south of Ithaca, where it makes a large 
curve and returning through the Valley of the Inlet enters the village. As the 
cars reach the brow of the hill the traveller catches a bird's-eye view of Ithaca and 
Cayuga Lakeframed in by hills covered with a wealth of foliage, and while back- 
ing down to the second switch he has a fine side view of East Hill and Cornell 



\THKCK NH^ \1S ^LSOVi^C^S. 





.^ 



A 1--S 







MOUTH OF FALL CREEK. 



5C 



University, with which he is nearly on a level. Then as the train again moves 
forward and continues its journey around the hillside another and a different 
view is presented for his admiration. On the level plain, a half mile below, is 
seen Ithaca, almost concealed by the tops of the trees by which its every street is 
lined, and to its superabundance of which it is indebted for the title of the "For- 
est City". The hill and the intervening space between is dotted by handsome 
residences, with sloping lawns and pretty shrubbery. In the west is another hill 
presenting a similar appearance, while still another, but this time full and unob- 
structed view, is obtained of the University Buildings in the east and the mag- 
nificent grounds by which they are surrounded. To the north stretches the placid 
waters of Cayuga Lake, that with its framing of bright foliage-covered hills and 
the inlet at its head, might be likened unto a large and beautiful hand mirror. As 
the train speeds on around the hill and away to the South, this picture is left be- 
hind, only to recur in part again when the return is made towards the village. 
And when the wondering traveller alights at his hotel he is surprised to learn 
that the distance which he traversed about five miles to accomplish, might have 
been accomplished by a pleasant walk of half a mile from the first switch down 
the hill, and in less time, too, than was required by his car. But this circuitous 
route is a wonderful improvement as compared with the two inclined planes up 
which cars were drawn b)' horse power many years ago, and the novelty of the' 
trip, with its panoramic scenes, well repays for the vexation experienced by the 
hurried traveller when, anxious to be at his journey's end, he beholds the place 



at his ven- feet and is then carried away off from it, onl}' to be compelled to re- 
trace his steps, as it were, before being permitted to alight, — but his impatience 
is lost in admiration. 

A beautiful village of itself, surrounded on every side b}' such wonders of na- 
ture as might well command the attention even of the experienced tourist who 
has visited the recognised wonders of the world, is it not strange that Ithaca has 
not already formed the Mecca to which those pilgrims ruled bj' fashion's sway 
annually seek the way? Surely this can only be attributable to that capricious 
dame's ignorance of the beautiful kingdom o'er which she might reign supreme 
with such honor to herself and pleasure to her subjects, were she but so inclined? 
But probably it is better as it is, for what could compensate for the loss of the 
peace and quiet now enjoyed, but which under her rule would be destro3'ed ? 
One of the greatest charms of this delightful region lies in that sense of freedom 
from the domination of "societ)'" and the absence of all that can disturb the 
true lover of the grand, beautiful and picturesque in nature in the full enjoy- 
ment of his pleasures. 

Of the principal points of interest in "Ouv Scenery" a well known writer has 
said: "Rome boasted of her seven hills, from whose throne of beaut)' she ruled 
the world. Ithaca makes her boast of seven streams, concerning which she chal- 
lenges the world. Each of these has a character of beauty peculiar to itself, so 
that the)' must all be seen to comprehend the perfect whole. Enfield is distin- 
guished by its giddy, winding walk along the sides of the profound precipices. 
The ravine of Lick Brook is as utterly wild as the day when Ithaca was a log 
cabin under the hill; on the contrary, the explorer of Six Mile Creek emerges at 
brief intervals into the sight of farm houses and cultivated fields. The interest of 
Taghanic mainly centers in its magnificent fall, 215 feet in height; whereas the 
Cascadilla, as its beautiful name imports, is remarkable for its numerous small- 
er, though not less picturesque cascades, not many of them rising to the dignity 
and sublimity of falls. Fall Creek is distinguished by its broad and unfailing 
stream, which at all seasons goes sounding through its almost impassable gorge 
and casts itself headlong over the nearest and noblest of all our cataracts, the 
Ithaca Fall. Contrasted with this, is the untastefuUy, though not inaptly nam- 
ed. Buttermilk Ravine, where the stream is so shallow and at the same time dis- 
tributes itself so widely over the rocks as to partake of the foamy whiteness be- 
longing to the product of the churn, rather than of the spring." 

But let me be your guide and we will visit each in turn, sail upon the lake 
and enjoy a couple weeks of this golden October month in a Bohemian manner. 
And if, when your vacation is at an end, you do not partake of my enthusiasm and 
register a vow to return here year after year and refresh your body with quiet and 
rest amidst these scenes of glen and rock and waterfall, the memory of which 
should pleasantly haunt you ; your mind with those better thoughts which this 
communion with nature — leading you irresistibly to "turn your eyes from nature 
up to nature's God" — forces upon you ; then your "bump of veneration" is very 
flat, indeed, and I would rather you went not with me. As one of the most at- 
tractive features of this "ramble" will be the great variety of striking objects and 
characteristics presented in the different glens and ravines, they will be visited 



\1HKCK Kn\i US RISOViRC^S. 



W 




ITHACA FALL, ITHACA GORGE- 150 FEET 

in the order in which this diversity is best illustrated, and we will accordingly 
wend our wav, first, to 

ITHACA GORGE. 

"The Gorge is the strange, hidden enjoyment of a leaf out of Switzerland, 
almost in the streets of the town," said a writer in the New York World some 
years ago, and when, after a short walk down Aurora street, we stand on the neat 
iron bridge spanning Fall Creek and gaze up into Ithaca Gorge, we feel that it 
is but a step from civilization into the depths of a wilderness. Alongside us the 
Fall Creek manufactories; in front a dark, deep ravine. Pausing a moment to 
listen to the roar of the waters and fix this picture in our minds — a foaming 
cataract, 150 feet in height and just as broad, with cliffs towering an hundred feet 
above it on either side, the vvater circling round a dark eddy at its base, thence 
struggling out a narrow stream through the great shadowy defile into the sun- 
light, and passing under our feet, murmuringly continuing its journey to the 
lake— we will enter the pretty little lodge guarding the entrance to the Gorge, 
and pass on up to a broad terrace, from which we obtain a more charming 
view— to the left this beautiful Ithaca Fall; to the right the village. Pouring 
over the jagged rocks in a snow white and flowing veil, the water in its descent 
resembles the bridal veil of some fair young maiden being led to the altar, and 
is indescribably beautiful. But were we so fortunate as to visit the fall just 
after a freshet, we would see a "scene which no equal section of Niagara could 
surpass, so vast the volume of water, so dark and sullen its hue; besides its peculiar 



efflorescent appearance as it broke against the ragged cliff in its descent, a lofty 
column of spra}' rose like the smoke of a conflagration at its foot and almost hid 
the entire front of the Fall — above all, a gorgeous rainbow spanned the stream, 
rising in a perfect arch higher than the Fall itself." Following the walk winding 
midway along the almost perpendicularhillside.upand down, we come upon anoth- 
er terrace, from which a finer full view is obtained. The Fall has continued to grow 
in impressiveness as we approach, and seems higher and wider and its noise more 
deafening. The mills and the village have passed out of sight, and shut in by 
trees on every side, except that which opens towards the Falls, here is a place to 
lie and dream the summer's day away. On the left is a vast ampitheatre formed 
bv perpendicular rocks, which rise three or four hundred feet from the bed of the 
stream. At our feet lies the dark, deep water, made almost black by the shad- 
ows cast from the cedars covering the face of the rocky wall across. And as our 
eyes wander from the Fall to the giant palisade stretching northward from the 
cataract and towering far above all the rest, we are filled with awe at the majest}'- 
of the scene. Continuing our walk, the path leads us aound the ampitheatre, 
thickly shaded at all limes, and through the trees we catch glimpses of the water 
as it bounds down the ragged wall. Then ascending a rodky staircase of about 
twenty steps, we reach a plateau on a level with the Falls; a few steps across the 
shady plot and we stand on the brink, gazing down at the water as it takes theaw- 
ful leap into the basin a hundred and fifty feet below. If the water in the stream 
above were low, we might climb down into the rocky bed of the Falls, and while 
standing on the very edge and in the center of the cataract's highway, imagine how 
quickly would we be swept off and into eternity were the dam to burst its bonds 
and the imprisoned waters be loosed upon us. Or we might walk across the 
wall of the dam, a rod or two above the Falls, and passing through the Tunnel, 
step across the raging little stream on its way to turn the wheels of busy manu- 
factories, and standing on Rock Island obtain still another and even grander 
view of the Falls, being almost directly over it, yet sufficient!}' in front to observe 
its whole surface. 

The object ot the tunnel was to bring the water of 
Fall Creek down to the mills and other factories 
located on the bluff and at its base. Many years 
^H? "-<g^^°^s^^^^^^;-. ago, (when the first mills were erected here in 1814) 
^^S a wooden flume, suspended on a frame work mor- 
^^ ticed in the rock, carried the water from a point 
^^^ above the Falls around the face of the bluff, and 
down to the mills. With the erection of other mills 
^^^^^ the supply of water thus furnished became inade- 
quate for all, and in in 1S30 J. S. Beebe, then one 
of the most enterprising citizens of the village and 
1^// ,/ , i^^P' '^* a large owner of mill property here, ordered the 
excavation of a tunnel. .' He had in his employ a poor, energetic but far seeing 
young man, now the Hon. Ezra Cornell [deceased but alive in the memory of the 
people], who had entire charge of the work, and who in fact conceived it. At that 
time no blasting with gunpowder had ever been done at Ithaca, but young Cor- 




\1V\NCK Kn^ US ^tSOViRCLS 



\Z 




FOREST FALL, ITHACA GORGE-60 FEET. 

nell went down on the Cayuga and Seneca canal, where work of that kind was 
going on, and observed the process of rock blasting, hired an Irishman who was 
accustomed to rock drilling, and returned in two or three days, and with the aid 
of five men and 1,000 kegs of gunpowder, in about six months had this hole 
through the rocks, 15 feet high, 15 feet wide and 200 feet long." The rickety 
wooden flume was then abandoned, and the water has since been conducted from 
the dam then built above the Falls, through the tunnel and down a raceway cut in 
the solid rock to the veritable hive of industry below. 

Having lingered longer than was intended around this "first fall", we will re- 
trace our steps across the plateau and begin the ascent to the peak of the craggy 
rocks, more than a hundred feet aloft. The path winds around the amphitheatre, 
just above ihat by which we arrived at the plateau, for a short distance, and then 
by a zig-zag course conducts us to a point about fifty feet directly over the plateau, 
where we stop, draw a few long breaths and enjoy the impressive scene. And 
while you are looking down into the depths of the Gorge, watching the water take 
its fearful plunge, or tracing out the winding path by which we came, I will tell 
you a little story— one which has retained its original form despite the numerous 
tellings. See the path before us, hewn in the solid rock, and rising along the 
naked perpendicular cliff, only wide enough for a single pedestrian ? On the 
24th of August, 1869, Mr. John Johnson, a resident of Ithaca, was at work alone 
on this path, and while prying on a crow bar, with his back to the chasm below, 
his hold slipped and he Jell back and headlong down the precipice, the bar follow- 
ing him ! Down, down, he went, 200 feet, the iron bar ringing out as it struck 
the rocks and followed after him ! But once he struck, and then some loose dirt 
about fifty feet below us; then one long jump of a hundred and fifty feet and he 



fell on the soft ground near the basin at the foot of the Fall. Will you believe it, 
he picked up the crow bar, looked around for his hat and was soon again at his 
work ! Now let us follow that path, and ascending a long stairway cut in the 
solid rocks we stand on the brink of a precipice more than three hundred feet 
higher than the point from which we started — the bridge on which we stood and 
saw such a pretty picture. Beneath us a frightful chasm ; before us the valley, 
with the silvery streams winding their way to the Lake. Ah ! step not too close, 
lest your head swirl, down you go nearly 200 feet, and I will have another story 
to tell. A few feet further on another crag juts out twenty or thirty feet from the 
mainland, and standing on its head we have another picture similar to the one we 
first looked at, only the cataract is not so high nor wide as the Ithaca Fall, nor 
the cliffs rising on either side so tall. Forest Fall is only 60 feet high, but the 
volume of water is greater and the ravine beyond looks darker and more gloomy. 
Great fissures in this crag suggest thoughts of its early disruption, and as we 
wander along the precipice we are filled with wonder. How long, think you, has 
been required to wear out this great path through the rocks by this once insignifi- 
cent stream ? Through a thicket of pines our path thence leads, and we descend 
into the bowels of the Gorge by a winding way, rather steep and rocky, but made 
comparatively easy by the enthusiasm our "ramble" thus far has created. As we 
emerge from a second amphitheatre and stand on the verge of this second fall, we 
are thrilled with the wild beauty of the scene — shut in on one side by the clifls, 
rising to a great height and covered with moss and ferns and shrubbery clinging 
tenaciously to their sides ; on the other by a great high hill, its precipitous bank 
bedecked with the brightest colored foliage, the water pours over the fall with an 
awful roar and then quietly flows on through the Gorge and disappears from our 
view— looking in the other direction only the bright stream, laughing and dancing 
on its way, as though happy in its sombre surroundings, is to be seen through the 
trees. But we follow the path along the bed of the stream only a little way when 
the voice of another fall gives greeting, and a brighter scene is presented. This 
is Foaming Fall, 30 feet high. Here the Gorge seems wider and the sun shining 
down on the water, lights up a picture made brilliant with color by the variegated 
leaves on the trees. Descending into the bed of the stream we walk close up to 
the fall and receive a shower of spray from the foaming little cataract. It is shaped 
like a /\, the water shooting from each side down into the centre and being lashed 
into foam by the contention, but little escaping to flow over the lower ends of the 
fall directly into the stream below, and is very curious. Climbing to the path and 
again following its tortuous windings, along the bank, we soon hear the thunder 
of the fourth fall and in a few minutes stand on the verge of Rocky Fall, 55 feet 
in height. This fall crosses the stream at an angle and is very wide. The action 
of the water when at its flood has worn a great hollow into the soft rock wall on 
the south side, which serves as an immense sounding board, and the roar of the 
water is thus more than doubled in volume. At the foot of the fall on the north 
side has been placed a turbine wheel, and the power furnished by the rushing 
water is transmitted by an endless wire cable to the Mechanical Department of 
Cornell University, on the hill 200 feet above. Although it has not, apparently, 
the same charm as the others, we linger some time at Forest Fall before resuming 



our walk, probabl)' because we are rather tired, and as we sit and muse and be- 
come accustomed to the roar, it fascinates us, our limbs refuse to move, and it is 
only by an effort that we throw off the abstraction and turn away from the spot. 
But then we are refreshed, and when we enter the beautiful glen through which 
the path leads, we can all the more fully enjoy its scenes of quiet woodland beau- 
ty. The ravine has widened out, and on either side the rippling waters, for the 
first time since the Gorge was entered, we find a narrow but level stretch of land. 
The cliffs have disappeared, and instead, steep hills covered with a dense growth 
of trees and shrubbery, tower two or three hundred feet above us. Moss and 
ferns and evergreens are all around our path, and here we could wander about 
for hours with constantly increasing delight, but there are yet other and even more 
attractive scenes awaiting, and we must hasten onward. As we near the end of 
this "Sylvan Glen", the Gorge again begins to narrow, and were the water not so 
low we would be compelled to follow the path up and around the high ledge of 
rocks jutting out in front of us, but as it is we take to the bed of the stream and 
rounding this point enter the "Colosseum," one of the most interesting features 
of the Gorge. It is a perfect ampitheatre of immense proportions — hundreds of 
feet in diameter. The circular walls are formed by the perpendicular cliffs rising 
to a height of between one and two hundred feet and worn out thus round by the 
action of the whirling waters in ages past. Through a small opening in the rocky 
wall at the further end the entire volume of Fall Creek pours down forty feet into 
the basin, and then finds its way out through the narrow pass by which we enter- 
ed, and the only natural entrance to this wonder of nature's wonders. In Its fall 
a portion of the water strikes a mass of rock jutting out near the base, scattering 
it in a huge boquet of foam flowers and forming the prettiest fall in the Gorge. 
The reverberation of the falling water's roar is almost deafening, and from its 
regular and answering beat has arisen the name of Triphammer Falls. The rocky 
bottom of the Colosseum is level as a floor ; above can only be seen a fringe of 
trees peeping over the edge of the precipice and the clear, calm, blue sky. A few 
years ago we would have been compelled to turn back, retrace our steps through 
the Gorge, before finding an exit, but we can now ascend a spiral staircase and 
soon stand alongside the flume cut by nature in the solid rock, and which conducts 
the water through these narrows to Triphammer Falls and into the "Colosseum"'.. 
Here the student of nature will find much to interest him — moldings carved by 
the water that are beyond the skill of man to surpass ; great holes in the rocks, 
perfect in symmetry and resembling huge punch-bowls and cauldrons, and other 
curiosities of like nature. With an admiring glance at the beautiful Flume Fall 
above, 26 feet in height, we climb out of the "flume" and crossing the frail foot 
bridge spanning the chasm directly over Triphammer Fall, start on our return to 
the village. It would be a pleasure to explore the romantic-looking ravine above 
the sixth fall, but the day is far spent and this must be reserved until we have vis- 
ited Glenwood, Taghanic, Enfield and other points of interest, when you can at 
your leisure — as )-ou certainly will desire — more fully inspect those spots that es- 
pecially attract your attention. From Triphammer and Flume Falls our path leads 
along the top of the precipice forming the south side of the Gorge for half or three 
quarters of a mile ; through the trees and shrubbery we catch frequent glimpses 



of the bright stream below ; the roar of Triphammer accompanies us, and has not 
yet become indistinct before that of Forest Fall breaks upon our ears ; and thus we 
have a continual reminder of the wild scenes through which we have come until 
we reach the beautiful grounds of Cornell University. With but passing glances 
at the noble structures adorning the elegant campus, for we shall pay this spot a 
lengthy visit previous to our departure from Ithaca, we follow the walk south to 
the Cascadilla bridge, stopping a moment, however, to observe the "Sunset on 
the Lake". A picture of surpassing beauty ? Ah, yes ! Down in the valley lies 
the "Forest City", almost hid by the gold and cardinal-tinted leaves on the tall 
trees lining its streets ; just north Cayuga Lake, the hills surrounding brilliant 
with the same highlj'-colored foliage ; gradually disappearing behind these hills, 
the sun sheds a soft, mellow light and reflects all the hues of the rainbow on the 
mirror-like surface of the Lake. At Cascadilla bridge again we stop and peering 
down into the cavernous gloom of the ravine, with a shudder turn away and con- 
tinue around Cascadilla Place to West Buffalo street and down the hill, soon ar- 
riving again at Aurora street, whence we disperse to our hotels. Tired? Well 
yes, but after a refreshing sleep you will be ready in the morning for a sail upon 
the Lake, and 

GLEN¥OOD. 

At 9 o'clock in the morning, then, we step on board a comfortable little steam 
yacht lying at her dock foot of West Buffalo street, the lines are cast off and in a 
few minutes we are sailing up the Inlet. It is a bright, beautiful morning and our 
exercise of the day previous gives us a feeling of exhilaration which is a presage 
of the liveliest enjoyment. Rapidly leaving behind us the "Forest City", soon 
the long pier at the head of Cayuga is reached, and passing the lighthouse we are 
out upon the bosom of the Lake. Our little boat takes a northwesterly course and 
as we near the western shore we observe a pretty cottage built upon the sloping 
hillside. "What a delightful location for a summer residence," is your natural 
exclamation. Then as we steam northward one after another of these cottages 
are brought into view, some large and roomy, others so small that they seem like 
toys ; some built upon a grassy knoll, others down in a little vale — but all of 
them possessing a charm that would make our occupancy of any of them during 
the summer months most enjoyable. At the foot of the slope fronting each is a 
tasty little boat-house ; some of the cottagers row from their cottage to the village, 
some sail and others run their own steam j-^achts — but all add life and activity to 
the Lake on summer evenings. Extending out into the Lake just north of us is 
a long "point", the fine growth of trees on which is suggestive of picnics and ex- 
cursion parties under their leafy branches. A short run and the little steamer 
lays alongside a dock built at the extreme end of the "point", is made fast and 
we land and look about us. 

This is Glenwood, four miles pleasant sailing, or five miles driving over the 
hills, from Ithaca. The "point" is about 200 feet broad and extends 200 or 300 feet 
from the mainland out into the Lake, forming quiet little bays on each side of it. 
At the foot of the hills is a rustic hotel and passing around to the rear, we enter 
the beautiful glen from whence arises the name — Glenwood. Neither too long 
nor too broad, this glen is the ideal glen of our imagination. On either side the 




GLENWOOD 



hills slope from the level of the Lake to a height of about 150 feet. The sides of 
the glen, however, are rather precipitous, but with the bottom as well as the hill 
tops, are decked out in all the splendor of their autumn foliage. On its way to 
join the waters of the lake a babbling brook runs through the glen and we have 
followed it up not more than 300 feet, when our progress is barred by a high prec- 
ipice. Through a narrow opening in its face. 50 feet below the top, the water 
pours in a glassy sheet, with a direct fall of about 20 feet, thence bounding down 
from rock to rock, accomplishes the remaining distance of 70 feet by a series of 
pretty cascades. A more charming woodland scene cannot be imagined. Re- 
turning through the glen to the hotel, we ascend the hill on the north, and arriv- 
ing at the brink of this precipice again follow the course of the stream. Here it 
flows over a rocky bed through a miniature "Gorge", and a few steps brings us 
to the foot of the second fall. The characteristics of this fall are similar to that of 
the first, but it is not so high, the water falling only about 70 feet. From the sec- 
ond fall on up to the summit of the hill a succession of rapids and wooded dell 
make attractive our ramble, and when we return our dinner awaits us. The aft- 
ernoon we will spend in rambling around the hills and sailing or rowing upon the 
lake, not neglecting to visit the Eastern shore just opposite. While engaged in 
this pleasurable pastime I will tell you of the contemplated improvements that 
will make this spot the most attractive summer resort on Ca3uga Lake. 

For years Glenwood has been the favorite haunt of "picnickers", and the evi- 
dences of their frequent visits are found in the numerous long tables occupying a 
large part of the shady 'point''. To picnic parties, it is probably unnecessarj' to 
state, an hotel is a secondary consideration, consequently the hotel here has not 
received the proper attention. But the 24 acres of land comprising Glenwood 
have recently been purchased b}' Mr. J. E. Van Natta, of Ithaca, who purposes 
transforming it from simply a picnic ground into the delightful place for spending 
the summer months for which the location and surroundings possess all the re- 
quisites. The old hotel will be removed and on its site erected a handsome and 
commodious new edifice. From beneath the trees on the "point" the picnic tables 
will be transferred to a desirable part of the glen, the attention of an efBcient gar- 
dener given to creating in their stead an attractive lawn, and water conducted in 
pipes from the upper fall will play through pretty fountains scattered about these 
new grounds. On the bluffs north and south of the glen will be built several neat 
cottages, the roadway down the hill will be improved and more suitable accommoda- 
tions provided for the horses and carriages of guests. Extending from the top of 
the hotel to the bluff on the north a unique but substantial dancing pavilion 
will be constructed, and — "last but not least," an experienced hotel man will be 
placed in charge of the "hostelrie", which, first-class in all its appointments will 
be conducted in first-class style, and "particular attention given to the cuisine."' 
Here in this spot seemingly designed by nature expressly for this purpose, with 
such society as the high character of the establishment will naturally attract ; the 
days passed in boating, or fishing, or reading a favorite book in some quiet nook, 
with only the babbling brook or its noisy little waterfalls for company ; your 
night's slumber undisturbed by that nasty little pest, the mosquito ; do you not 
think in the hottest summer month it would be a perfect Elysium ? 



Again we are on board the little steamer, her prow pointed south-by-east and 
ploughing at a fine rate of speed through the water. Again the sun going down 
behind the hills lends charming eifect to a brilliant picture, than which the brush 
of mortal artist could not more pleasingly depict. And when again we enter the 
sluggish waters of the Inlet, and the wild and the picturesque is lost in the com- 
monplace of commerce and manufacture, we heave a sigh at the transition and 
look forward with pleasure to the morrow and its pilgrimage to the highest and 
most celebrated falls in thi#region — 

TSGHANIC. 

We have a choice of several ver}' pleasant routes to Taghanic — by the lake 
steamers running between Ithaca and Cayuga, the Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre 
Railroad, or a carriage drive through an exceptionally fine agricultural region. 
We also have a choice of several ways of spelling and pronouncing the name — 
Taug-han nock, Taug-hanick, Tagh-kanic, Tag-hanic. As to the name, I 
choose the latter; route, the carriage drive over the hills. Behind a spanking 
team of horses — and good livery teams are to be obtained here — we drive down 
State street, across the Inlet and take the upper right hand road leading over the 
hill. The view of Ithaca and its surroundings, at which we tire not looking, is 
superb as we ascend the hill, and then one after another are passed the farms of 
evidently well-to-do tillers of the soil — fine cattle, large barns, handsome resi- 
dences with well-kept lawns, neatly painted fences enclosing the rich looking 
land, all evince the greatest thrift and prosperity. The eight miles between Ith- 
aca and Jacksonville are only too quickl)' accomplished, then turning to the 
right, at the latter place, a short drive of two miles towards the lake brings us 
to a plain two-story frame building standing in the midst of a grove of pines, 
on the north side of the road. A signboard at the cross-road above had inform- 
ed us that this was the way to the Cataract House at Taghanic Falls, but were it 
not for the conspicuous sign here displayed we would have remained unaware of 
our proximity to the falls and probably driven by with only an admiring glance 
at what we considered an attractive rural hotel with remarkably pretty grounds. 
That sign has set us right, however, and wheeling into the grove and alongside 
the piazza extending round the front of the house, we are courteously received by 
the proprietor, Mr. R. Mockford, relieved of the care of our horses and are 
ready for a sight at Taghanic. But where is it? We do not hear the thunder and 
roar that is inseparably associated with our ideas of great waterfalls. Rustic 
seats and arbors are plentifully scattered about the grove. Through a vista in 
front we see a large open space that is intuitively felt to be a great, deep gorge. 
Approaching, we stand on the brink of a precipice and gaze wonderingly down 
into this space, 600 feet wide and 400 feet in depth. Following the course of the 
stream running through the bottom with our eyes, they rest upon Cayuga the 
Fair, into which the Taghanic is emptying its mite. A pretty sight, indeed, the 
beautiful lake, whose calm and unruffled waters have been so stirred with strife 
before reaching this haven of rest. Are )'ou equal to the task of descending in- 
to the gorge? It will repay you for the exertion. Then follow me along this 
dizzy zigzag path, which makes one-third of the (Jesc.ent comparatively easy. 



20 nV\IkC\ KH^ nS ^^SOViRCL^. 

At the end of the path an almost perpendicular stairway ''assists" us down an- 
other hundred feet, and thence by many successive leaps we reach the bottom — 
for it is easier to leap than it is to carefully, step by step descend. Look up! 
How small and stunted appear the trees which, when we were on a level with 
their topmost branches but a few moments ago, looked to us like the tallest 
giants of the forest. Out into the middle of the gorge and look up. Can 
you realize that it is 400 feet to the top, where you see the bare spot among 
the trees whence we started? An "Indian Trail" leads through the grove way 
dowh here in the bowels of the earth, and as we emerge from its upper end 
we get our fust glimpse of Taghanic Falls. Are you disappointed? True, 
there is not a great volume of water. But the fall, 215 feet, and the rocks ris- 
ing 200 feet higher! In ages past that water fell on ihe spot on which we now 
stand. * Approach nearer, get alongside it, almost beneath it — now look up. 
Your disappointment vanishes like the thin, vapory mist thrown off by the 
water in its descent from the heights above. The volume of water is not great, 
but it floats, comes to you, gently as the dew drops, hiding the jagged rocks be- 
hind it in a light filmy veil. Sitting here in this great semi-circular ampitheatre, 
whose rocky walls tower 400 feet above us, with dado and frieze and cornice, the 
entablature surmounted by pines, the blue sky the dome, can you not liken }'our 
selves unto listeners in a grand cathedral to a sermon that mortal man cannot 
preach? From the center of the wall, over a triangular rock about 90 feet wide, 
the water flows in an unbroken sheet but a little ways, breaks into large, pearly 
drops, then turns into spray and falls into the pool below with less noise and tu- 
mult than is created by a summer shower. But imagine the roar in the spring 
and fall when the stream pouring over in great fury, causes even the windows 
and doors in the hotel 400 feet above, to rattle with a great noise, the precipice 
fairly trembling from the constantly recurring shocks of the heavy body of water 
falling this great height. With a feeling of awe and rest and contentment we 
quietly turn away and retrace our steps to the stone we had marked as being the 
entrance to the path down which we came, or leaped, and begin the ascent. If 
we could leap up the precipitous side of the hill as readily as we did down! It 
is hard work, but clinging to friendly bushes or leaning against convenient trees, 
and frequently resting, we finally arrive at the stairway. It is only 117 steps 
— you have ample opportunity to count them — to the top, then the balance of 
the ascent is easy; and with a cooling draught of water from the crystal spring 
bubbling forth from a little rustic arbor near the end of the path, we return to 
the hotel, sit down in a comfortable chair and anxiously await the call to dinner. 
There are other and easier routes by which the bottom of the gorge may be 
reached, but as this was the nearest, and our time is limited, it was chosen. 
Anyhow the exercise is beneficial, and gives you a better idea of your powers of 
endurance. Having dined, we light cigars and stroll over to the "lookout," 
built like a bird's nest among the limbs of a tree standing on the very edge of 
the abyss. Higher than the falls by 200 feet, we obtain a magnificent view of the 

* "The Taghanic Falls * * have receded something more than a mile from the lake." "In its 
passage the stream first produced a series of falls and rapids, but finally receded so as to form a single fall. 
This is caused by the higher strau being so much harder than those below that a firm table is formed of 
these, while those below are undermined."— CP^<j/. IV Dist., p.p. 378-379. 



\iv\kCk KU^ ns iRtsovi^c^s 



i\ 




TAGHANIC FALLS— 215 FEET. 



"bridal veil of Taghanic;" the gorge, with its vast walls — here the bare and tree- 
less heights, there the densely wooded sides — and the lake. Like Niagara, 
Taghanic has had its "Blondin," but he achieved neither world-wide fame nor a 
hat full of money. In the month of September, 1874, "Professor" Jenkins shot a 
ball of twine across the gorge at this point; with the twine he drew over a heavy 
cord, then a rope and after considerable labor had stretched a cable of sufficient 
strength for his purposes. In emulation of the "fiends'' at Niagara the north 
side of the gorge was boarded in by the proprietor of the hotel and an admission 
fee charged those desirous of witnessing the "Professor" disport on the rope 
from within this enclosure. The good people were not thus to be swindled; 
they flocked over to the south side, and the "Professor"' exhibited his skill and 
daring on the slender thread suspended over this dizzy chasm for little more 
than the unremunerative local fame it gave him. But the attention of the public 
was drawn to the superior views obtained from the hitherto unfrequented south 
side, and as a result the Cataract House was built and has ever since remained 
the favorite resort of visitors. 



2.2 \lHfkCK KU\i \1S RLSOViRGLS. 

Our excursion to the bottom of the gorge has left us without sufficient am- 
bition to explore the beautiful upper ravine, but if you follow my advice you will 
come and spend a week or two at the Cataract House with Mr. Mockford. And 
your time will be fully occupied between gaining a further acquaintance with the 
gorge below and exploring the ravine above — going down to the top of the fall, 
climbing up into the eyrie clinging to the face of Eagle Cliff, or following the 
stream bed through ravine and glen to pretty cascades beyond. We return to 
Ithaca by the lower or lake road. The drive is made attractive by charming bits 
of glen and lake scenery, with numerous little waterfalls to remind us of that 
one of greater beauty, whose picture is so indelibly imprinted on our memory. 

BUTTERMILK CREEK. 

As Bohemians for the time being we can walk, and the exercise we have taken 
has fitted us for the perfect enjoyment of a brisk walk of two miles south along 
thsNewfield Road to Buttermilk Creek. Starting early in the morning, when the 
sun is just beginning to peep over the hilltops, and walking merrily along the 
base of the hill forming the eastern boundary of the Valley of the Inlet, we very 
unexpectedly come upon a mountain torrent rushing madly down the hillside and 
broken by its tumble over the rocky bed into a mass of thick, frothy foam. So 
unexpectedly had we come upon this beautiful cascade that, momentarily, surprise 
exceeds the pleasure, for we are totally unprepared for such a scene. On the 
north, the cultivated fields extend to the very edge of the sloping rockbed of the 
torrent, while on the south a dark forest entirely covers the hill, the "Buttermilk" 
forming a dividing line between the two extremes. At the foot lies our road, here 
abruptly turning to the right and following the westerly course of this stream, 
which has come rushing, tumbling down from a hundred and twenty-five or fifty 
feet above. This is but the first of a series of cascades, less in size but equal in 
beauty, that are hid from our gaze in the ravine, beginning at the head of the fall. 
The ascent is quite easy, the bed of the fall being so inclined that it presents a 
series of small steps, and mounting, we stand on a level platform at the top and 
just midway between two falls — at the summit of the first and almost at the foot 
of the second, which is enclosed by rocky walls rising far above it. Behind us 
the Valley of the Inlet, the "Forest City", and the lake bathed in the morning 
sun ; in front, the ravine, with its glittering cascades. We clamber up the side 
of the second fall, about loo feet high, and soon reach a second plateau. The ra- 
vine widens out, its sides rise higher and higher, and we stand in a large ampithe- 
atre which closes gradually around in front of us and is there broken by a narrow 
cleft extending down to within thirty feet ot where we stand. There the rocks 
project in a semi-circular form, making a perfect "pulpit' or "stand", about forty 
feet wide, the narrow gorge that ends in it making a sudden turn a few yards back, 
and leaving, or seeming to leave, a niche in the rocks a yard or two in width, 
from which emerges the orator — the bright little stream — and standing but a mo- 
ment in the pulpit, falls over in the streambed below. Climbing the steep hill on 
our right, we make a detour through the woods and returning to the ravine, clam- 
ber down its side and are again in the bed of the stream, but above Pulpit Falls, 
to the summit of which we return for a view of the valley whence we came, by the 



UV\KOk KH\i nS RtSOViRCLS. 



23 




^ RAVINE- BUTTERMILK CREEK. 

narrow gorge through which the stream winds. The sides of the ravine overhead 
nearly touch, but widen out towards the bottom and are hollowed out in strange 
forms by the action of the water. The stream is but a few feet wide, rushing 
through a flume it has cut in the rocks, with several slight falls and with here and 
there a well or pocket worn in the rock by the whirling of a stone in the long ago. 
One of these wells is twelve feet in diameter and nine feet deep. You are inclin- 
ed to spend more time in this "pass" than as your guide I can allow, hence I hur- 
ry you through and back to the ravine above, from whence, glancing up the stream, 
we see some of the most exquisite glen scenery in nature. The gorge is deep and 
narrow, the cascades curious and near together, the rocks picturesque and fantas- 
tic, the trees gracefully and charmingly grouped. Advancing, we pass one after 
another of the cascades, set in the lichened bank, with moss grown trees and curi- 
ous rocks around them, and when we reach the fourth in this series the scene sud- 
denly changes. The banks, losing their rocky steepness, slope gradually down to 
the water's edge, the stream glides along with but few interruptions of cascades in 
its easy descent, and grows more and more brooklike. Moss and ferns and ever- 
greens are all around and quiet and peace are the characteristics. Then rounding 
a bend again the scene suddenl}' changes. Again the banks have risen until they 
tower an hundred feet above us, their sides bare and sombre and their bases near- 
ly meeting ; the stream widens out to about fifty feet, and falls in a cascade of rare 
beauty some twenty or thirty feet, its width seemingly lessened by the projecting 
banks, behind which we catch glimpses of the widening stream above us. Just 
above the cascade, and in towards the bank, in bold relief against the dark rocks, 
rises a mass of stone, a pillar fringed with moss and ferns, rearing itself straight 
up fift)' feet and tapering to a point crowned with vines and flowers. This is 
Steeple Rock, and the strata of rock that compose it project over each other so as 
to form a circular pathway to its summit, which may be reached by the expert 
climber. But first we must climb cautiously around the right hand bank of the 
stream on a ledge, seemingly cut out for our convenience, and rounding the pro- 
jecting bank come in full view of the cascade, above which rises Steeple Rock. 
Then the stream winds through narrow rocky banks, the one side steep, grey, 
ragged and sombre in color ; the other sloping and wooded; there is but one cas- 
cade of any size above Steeple Rock, and we only too soon reach the bridge which 



marks the end of Buttermilk Ravine. Were we not Bohemians we would have a 
carriage meet us at this point, but the walk is not quite three miles back to Ithaca, 
the scenery varied and charming, with magnificent views of Ithaca and the lake, 
and forms a delightful ending to our daj^'s pleasure. There remains yet one more 
excursion out of the village, and this to 

ENFIELD FILLS. 

For it we engage a carriage in the morning and drive south over the same road 
which led us to Buttermilk Creek. Pausing a moment at the foot of Buttermilk 
Falls, to again note this curious cascade and its strange surroundings, we then 
follow the road in its turnings for about a mile, when a guideboard instructs us 
to turn to the right and up the hill. Although the hill is long, it is covered with 
a dense wood of pine and hemlock, which, while shading us from the glare of 
the morning sun, presents many interesting features that serve to relieve the trip 
of tediousness. No sooner do we emerge from the woods and arrive at the top 
of the hill, with its view of the valley in the north and pine-clad hills, rising one 
above another in the south, than we begin the descent on the other side. About 
one-fourth of the way down, however, another signboard directs us to turn to the 
left, and we go down into a deep little valley, hollowed out here between the 
hills. At the foot of the hill is the "Enfield Falls Hotel," but you look around 
in vain for the falls or even any sign of them. Upon the side of the stable into 
which our horses are driven is nailed a small board, on which is painted, "Ad- 
mission to the Falls, lo cents," and in reply to our inquiry the bright little urchin 
that takes charge of the team says, "Down there they are," pointing to the rocky 
wall which apparently forms the eastern and an insurmountable boundary to the 
the valley. And to "down there" we then proceed, crossing on our way a 
noisy brook going in the same direction. As we near this rocky wall we observe 
a narrow "pass'' into which the brook is entering. We also enter and are instant- 
ly transposed from the realms of commonplace into that of the picturesque. 
This "pass" is less than fifty feet wide and its bare grey walls rise to a height of 
nearly 200 feet. "The rock is of soft slate and shales, alternating with strata of 
harder sandstones, all lying nearly horizontal. The softer shales wear away, 
and the harder sandstones form numerous cascades, and also forms the bed of 
the ravine, which in places is nearly as level as a floor. The strata fracture in 
straight lines, and thus are formed walls and buttresses, marvellously regu- 
lar, and adorned with frieze and cornice and battlement, as if some crazy archi- 
tect had mingled half a dozen styles. Steps and walls and terraces are there; 
the narrow places have been widened by art and the way is easy and pleasant," The 
brook has left its gravelly bed amid the pastures green and its way henceforth is 
full of trouble. We pass down on the right side of the stream, which falls over 
its rocky bed in frequent cascades, and then rushes through a narrow channel 
like a flume, worn in the rocks. Crossing here by a little bridge, we descend a 
wide staircase cut in the rock into a sort of recess, with regular walls and a level 
rocky floor, alongside the stream. The ravine has grown deeper and wider, and 
the sides, which at first rose grey and bare and were then covered with trees and 
bushes, are now dark and naked. The stream leaves its narrow channel, at the end 



\TV\NCN KH\i nS RLSOVi^CtS. 



25 




ENFIELD RAVINE. 

of which a well thirty feet deep and nine feet in diameter has been worn in the rocks, 
and also widens, but for a short distance only, and then making its way through 
a narrow Z shaped pass, falls a distance of about thirty feet in a beautiful foam- 
ing cascade. Passing along narrow rocky shelves and down rock staircases we fol- 
low the stream, and in a moment stand on the brink of the great Enfield Falls, i6o 
feet high. The scene has changed — in that part of the ravine through which we 
have passed we were impressed by its picturesque beauty; but here is granduer. 
Above the falls the scenes are prett)', interesting — below they are sublime, awe- 
inspiring. The fall is not perpendicular, but the water goes tumbling and re- 
bounding down the rocks in masses of foam. A well made and safe path permits 
an easy descent to its base. First down a short staircase alongside the falling 
water, into which you can dip your hand as you descend, then on a shelf cut in 
the face of the rock, across a bridge built against the precipice and by a winding 
way among ihe trees — it is but a few moments until we stand at the foot of the 
falls and look up. The precipice rises 380 feet on either side, covered with lich- 
ens and ferns and crowned by the green boughs of hemlocks and pines. The 
water sparkles in the sunlight, changing from emerald into diamond drops and 
back again many times before falling into the dark pool at the base, and then 
winding its way through wood and glen, over little cataracts and into the Inlet 
two and a half miles below. There are many scenes of quiet beauty 
below the falls that would delight the soul of an artist, but they seem 
tame in comparison with the wild portion of the ravine through which 
we have come. We retrace our steps and as we return along the rock-hewn 
paths we are in perfect accord with the writer who has said: "Probably there is 
no ravine in the world which furnishes more variety in so short a space as that 



1^ nUKCK NH\) US R^SOViRCLS. 

which extends from the rocky entrance so securely guarded by the granite cham- 
pions, to the dizzy verge of the grand fall a few hundred )'ards below. Every 
foot of progress discloses some new and singular formation of rock entirely dis- 
similar from any preceding it. Cascades of every conceivable form and height, 
and deep, narrow channels which sometimes conceal in their rumbling depths 
the fiercely running water, follow each other in such rapid and agreeable suc- 
cession that the spectator is at once lost in wonder and delight." We partake of 
a hearty dinner at the quaint little hotel, go down once more through the ravine 
to the great fall, and then are ready for the homeward drive and a brief visit to 

LICK BROOK. 

This wild but pretty mountain brook is seldom visited because of its inacces- 
sibility and the number of other and equally or more attractive streams that are 
easier of access. The lover of solitude, however, will find in its wild beauty a 
charm that will enable him to look at all obstacles as being simply a presage to the 
finest enjoyment and will therefore willingly undergo the fatigue and discomfort 
attendant upon its exploration for the pleasure- which follows. It is found in the 
woods about a mile south of Buttermilk Creek and is best reached from Ithaca 
by a drive of three miles along the Newfield road to the white Gothic cottage of 
Farmer Williams, where your team maj' be hitched and a walk of half a mile east 
brings you to the mouth of Lick Brook ravine. It is a half way point between 
the "Forest City" and Enfield Falls and in returning from the latter place this 
white Gothic cottage, about half a mile off from our road, forms a landmark we 
cannot mistake Hitching our horses then, at Farmer Williams' stable, we trudge 
across the meadows to the mouth of the brook and following the bed of the 
stream from the point where it empties into the Inlet, have gone but a little ways 
into the woods when our progress is barred by a precipice fifty feet in height over 
which is pouring or spraying the stream, the water being so widely distributed 
that it is barely sufficient to cover the green and mossy wall. Climbing out of 
this circular rocky basin we clamber up the north bank of the stream and attempt 
to follow a leaf-strewn path through the bushes and trees. Through a vista we 
see a second fall, similar in size and appearance to the first, but the difhculties in 
reaching it are so great that we do not care to overcome them, and continuing our 
rugged wav soon discover a comparatively easy path that leads down into the ra- 
vine above this second fall, and are fully rewarded for our temerity. Shut in on 
one side by walls of solid rock, on the other by a steep wooded bank, with a 
gleam of sunlight through the leaves of the trees whose overhanging branches 
form an unique covering, the only sound the murmuring of the water, were you 
desirous of solitude here your wish would be in the fullest gratified. It is a re- 
treat from the sorrows or the joys of this earth into which one can retire and com- 
mune with one's self and emerge the better for it. This part of the ravine is 
about one-fourth of a mile in length, ending at the second fall in the lower end 
and in a large amphitheatre at the upper The walk through it is filled with pleas- 
ure, the moss-grown rockv walls, with here and there a crevice containing sufficient 
earth to afford nutriment for the ferns or shrubs clinging tenaciously there for life, 
the bright-colored foliage on the other side contrasting strongly with the dark 



nVAKCIX KHD nS RiSOV^HCLS. 



2.1 




P:NFIKLU falls— i6o fkkt. 



green on this, the babbling brook— all lending lo the picturesque and beautiful 
effect produced in the scene. Down a rock}' slope, lined on either side by the 
dark forest and into the amphitheatre, rushes the now angrj' brook, confined to 

narrow limits and apparently concentrating all its power for this supreme effort 

a great fall from the heights i6o feet above. Differing in its surroundings from all 
the other falls in this region, this little torrent rushing down its steep rocky bed, 
although not so grand as some of the others, still has the power to attract even 
when our visits to Ithaca Gorge. Glenwood, Taghanic, Buttermilk and Enfield 
make comparison unfavorable, and we linger longer here than at some of the 
greater falls. Back through the ravine, and climbing out of its depths, we care- 
fully seek the way to the foot of the hills, leaving the climb to the top of the 
great fall for some other time. Our team awaits us across the meadow, the drive 
of three miles to Ithaca is quickly accomplished and the ending of another day 
finds us with our admiration for the "Forest City" and its surroundings constant- 
I)^ increasing. 

SIX MILE CREEK AND OTHER FALLS. 

There are so many other glens and falls of lesser attractiveness, in compari- 
son with those we have visited, but still worth seeing, that it is impossible at pres- 
ent to pay them all the attention they deserve. In Six Mile Creek, which forms 
the southern boundary of the village and winds around between the hills in the 
southeast, there are two very pretty cascades and attractive ravines, in exploring 
which we emerge at brief intervals into the sight of farm houses and cultivated 
fields. A delightful drive down the eastern shore of the lake will discover sever- 



2ft UUkCK KH\i nS V^LSOURC^S. 

al beautiful glens, the most pleasing of which are "Burdick's"and McKinney's". 
Burdick's glen is directly opposite Glenwood and is only a few steps from the 
lake shore, but is concealed from passing boats by thick foliage. Its vast rocky 
' amphitheatre and waterfall of i6o feet are very interesting. About half way be- 
tween the "Corner of the Lake" and Burdick"s are McKinney's glens, which may 
be visited on the way to or from the latter. A few rods north of Buttermilk Creek 
is Barnes's glen, the upper portion of which is ver}' attractive, having huge rocks 
and several falls, one of them being over loo feet high. But every day that is 
passed in this vicinity brings forth some new delight and surprise in the shape of 
glen, fall and ravine. "It is like a volume of weird and gloomy romance bound 
up in a gay library, and there is enjoyment in the quick contrast of the same morn- 
ing in street and glen," said "Sentinel" in the New York fFi5>r/ir/ some ten years 
ago, and age has only made greater the contrast. With a brief visit to the beauti- 
ful Cascadilla and the Grounds of Cornell University I will then leave you to 
seek out the rest of these hidden joys for yourself, the assurance being mine that 
I will at least have your thanks for m}' feeble attempt to describe for 3-0 u the 
sights that would afford you much pleasure. 

CASCIDILLA GLEN. 

Less than five minutes walk from State, the principal business street, we step 
from the busy town directly into the deep, cool Cascadilla Glen, beginning at 
Williams" Mill, near the corner of Linn and Mill streets, and in the very 
centre of the village. At this same point it was, in fact, that the first set- 
tlers built their cabins, and thence the village grew out in a face-like shape. 
A neat iron bridge here spans the stream, which takes a northwesterly course 
through the village to the Inlet, and we pass around the mill, through the yard, 
and instantly find ourselves in a retired spot whence we more fully appreciate 
that "enjoyment in the quick contrast of the same morning (and almost the same 
instant) in street and glen." Here is a fall which, notwithstanding the abstraction 
of so much water from the stream above for the purposes of the mill, furnishes an 
interesting introduction to our ramble. Crossing the brook on stepping stones 
and keeping on the right hand side of the stream we presently turn a corner and 
are in a vast, solemn hall of nature. The stream turns two corners in instant suc- 
cession, forming an amphitheatre at the bend which strikingly impresses us with the 
age and power of these floods in wearing away the solid rocks in such deep and 
graceful curves. Over the rocks and into the amphitheatre trickles the water that 
is permitted to escape from the dam above, but in time of freshet this double bend 
is the scene of mad, boiling and thunderous excitement as the floods go plung- 
ing through the tortuous bed. Here on account of its narrowing width 
the glen more properly becomes a ravine, and we are obliged to clam- 
ber up the north bank and walk along the brink of a precipice, but the 
glimpses of glen and stream below well repay us for the exertion. Then our 
way lies through a grove of pines and hemlocks, the path winds up and down 
along the hillside and we frequently stop with a shudder as the thought strikes us, 
"what if we were to make a misstep and go tumbling headlong into the depths 



\"^\^KCk kn^ MS RtSOVi^C^S 



29 




THIRD FALL, LICK BROOK- i6o FEET. 



of the ravine," this side of which is now a steep wooded bank and the opposite a 
frowning precipice. II you love the spice which danger gives you may go down 
into the stream bed, but it requires a steady hand and a cool head to make the de- 
scent by clinging to the bushes, and your hands and clothing will probably be fear- 
fully torn before you reach the bottom. We follow the path until we come to the 
University bridge, where the descent is much easier, and we stand at the foot of 
the Giant's Staircase, and watch the water tumbling down as regular a flight of 
stairs as ,ever a boy fell down two steps a time. As far as the eye can see above are a 
series of pretty little cascades, closely enbosomed in rocky and arborescent banks. 
The ravine looks so very inviting that we climb the Giant's Staircase and picking 
our way along the bed of the stream, scaling the miniature cataracts, follow on 
until our progress is barred by an unromantic dam, when we return to the bridge 
over the Giant's Staircase by a pleasant shaded walk between the Cascadilla and 
an artificial brook leading to Willow Pond, the pretty terraced reservoir from which 
is drawn the water supply for the Cascadilla Building owned by Cornell Univer- 
sity and occupied as a dormitory for students. From the bridge 70 feet above the 
stream, is obtained a most comprehensive view of the Cascadilla and its numer- 
ous cascades, and through a vista in the evergreens almost meeting in a pointed 
arch over the stream, the village appears in the distance. Were it not for the mas- 
sive Cascadilla Building so close on the south bank of the stream, the terrace and 
the fine University roadway, we could readily imagine ourselves in a wilderness, 
but one from which a stone could be thrown into the midst of a city and civiliza- 
tion. But let us take only a few steps north and the wild and the picturesque is 
lost in the highest type of cultivation. We have entered the domains of Cornell 
University. 



CORNELL UNIYERSITY. 

Here upon this gradually sloping plateau, over three hundred feet above 
the level of Cayuga Lake, with the famous Ithaca Gorge for its northern and the 
beautiful Cascadilla for its southern boundary, stand the buildings of this noble 
institution "where any person can find instruction in any study.'' Winding 
drives and walks and terraces and lawns make attractive the surroundings from 
which nothing is detracted by the numerous buildings. Those which stand 
out most prominently are the Armory and Gymnasium, a brick building, with 
stone trimmings, and Romanesque in style, which is situated nearest the Casca- 
dilla; the Sage College, *a handsome brick building in the Italian Gothic style 
of architecture, which stands on a knoll a little northeast of the Armory; the Sage 
Chapel; the Morrill and White Halls and the Mc Graw building, with its massive 
tower, over 120 feet high and containing the chime of bells — this group being 
an adaptation of the renaissance and built of dark blue stone with light trim- 
mings; the new Chemical and Physical Laboratory; the Sibley College of Mechan- 
ic Arts and the old laboratory and machine shops. Scattered about are the homes 
of the faculty, on a knoll in the rear is the elegant house of the President, and 
back of all the great college farm. With magnificent views of lake and valley, 
with on either side ravines and rocks and waterfalls, the site is unequaled and 
Cornell University should be the pride of the great Empire State. 

Fifteen years ago there was nothing on this hill save an unkempt cornfield, 
difficult of access, marred by rail fences, gashed by ravines, and utterly unfit, to 
all appearances, for any use by a seminary of learning. Behold the transforma- 
tion! This rough hill has been wrought into a verdant slope, its disadvantages 
transformed into beauties; where was then an unkempt cornfield are now lawns and 
terraces of great beauty; where was then but marring rail fences are now these 
grand edifices, so imposing in architectural design and proportions. From ev- 
ery land has been gathered a wealth of apparatus and collections illustrative of 
science, art and industry probably second to none in the country; a library third 
in importance among the University libraries of the whole land, and rapidly be- 
coming the equal of the first; and the largest and most completely equipped lab- 
oratories erected yet built in this country — a University established that has al- 
ready been acknowledged to have but three rivals in the land. Truly, here "a 
great work has been done; a great work is doing; a great work is evidently to 
be done." 

When, in 1862, the bill presented by Hon. Justin S, Morrill, United States 
Senator from Vermont, "having as its purpose to create and maintain colleges 
in the various States, having as their object instruction in the sciences applicable 
to the great industries of the country, including military instruction, and not ex- 
cluding instruction in science and literature in general," appropriated to each 
State landscrip covering 30,000 acres of land for each representative of a State 
in Congress, the question arose with the Legislatures of the different States as to 
what should be done with it. Some appropriated it to existing colleges for the 
purpose of founding scientific and technical schools ; others founded new insti- 
tutions. New York having thirty-three representatives, her share was 990,000 



acres, but the course taken by her Legislature was at first unfortunate, the whole 
grant being appropriated to an institution known as the "People's College" — es- 
tablished at the upper end of Seneca Lake — on very easy conditions. For two 
years that institution held the grant, but did nothing toward accomplishing the 
conditions, and finally allowed it to lapse and return to the State, rather than 
take any further trouble in the matter. 

Among the new members of the Legislature which came together in 1864, 
were Ezra Cornell, of Ithaca, and Andrew D. White, of Syracuse. Shortly after 
the beginning of the session Mr. White was made Chairman of the Committee on 
Public Instruction. Almost the first measure which came before that committee 
was a bill to incorporate the public library ot Ithaca, to which Mr. Cornell pro- 
posed to give $100,000. On looking into the charter as he proposed it, Mr. 
White was struck by its breadth and liberality. There were no petty limitations 
of any sort — no conditions as to creed or party in the controlling board. This 
led to an acquaintance between the two men to whom the institution of which I 
am telling you — Cornell University — owes its being, an acquaintance which rip- 
ened into friendship. Every day they talked over some subject connected with 
the proposed library, and with the educational needs of the country. In the 
meantime the question had again come up as to what the State should do with 
the educational land grants. The "People's College" authorities, it was now ev- 
ident, would do nothing with it, and as this was generally seen there was a rush 
upon the Legislature by the authorities of nearly all the other colleges in the State 
— over twenty in number — and especially by the promoters of the new State Agri- 
cultural College, which had been established at Ovid. The various college au- 
thorities demanded that the whole sum arising from the sale of the land scrip 
should be divided up between them in equal parts. As the whole sum likely to 
be realized from this source was estimated officially by the Comptroller at 
$600,000, it was evident that in this case each institution would receive between 
$20,000 and $30,000 — hardly more than one-half enough for the establishment 
of a single professorship. Mr. Cornell and his associated trustees of the Agri- 
cultural College sought to divide the fund into two parts — one-half to remain 
with the "People's College" and the other half to be appropriated to the State 
Agricultural College. The contest became very animated. 

Against all these efforts to divide the fund Mr. White took a firm stand, both 
in the Senate and in the committee. His ground was that it was an opportunity 
almost providential for the establishment of a university on a large scale, and 
with provisions for modern scientific and technical instruction in the State of 
New York; that this might be done if the fund were kept together somewhere; 
that the chance would be lost and the various small denominational colleges on- 
ly slightly strengthened if the same were divided. To see such a university 
established in the State in which he was born had been Mr. White's dream for 
years. Even while a member of one of the smaller denominational colleges in the 
State, and before going to a New England university, he had thought much over 
the needs of the State in this respect. Afterwards as a student at Yale College, 
and still later at the College of France in Paris, and at the University of Berlin, 
the same question was constantly present with him. On his return from a three 



years' study abroad, his first effort was to enlist strong men in the establishment 
of a real university as distinguished from the denominational colleges. He laid 
plans before the late Gerrit Smith, who gave close attention to them, and at the 
time seriously thought of making a great endowment. Mr. White offered, if he 
would establish such an institution in the central part of the State of New York, 
to add to it the half of his own fortune. He also talked and corresponded with 
George Wm. Curtis, who showed much interest in this, as in every other good 
cause. But as no definite work seemed likely to be begun, he accepted an in- 
vitation to the Professorship of History in the University of Michigan, seeing 
there the only chance to aid in laying the foundation of a true university. After 
four years of work there, he was elected ver}^ unexpectedly to the Senate of New 
York, where he met for the first time, Ezra Cornell. 

The struggle regarding the disposal of the fund became more and more bit- 
ter. But Mr. White steadily took the ground that while the rule for primary 
education is diffusion of resources, the rule for advanced education is concentra- 
tion of resources. Thanks to the good sense of the Committee on Education, 
this view prevailed, and although the Legislature was deluged with petitions 
from the districts where the various sectarian colleges were situated, all these 
tendencies to scatter the fund were resisted. While this struggle was going on, 
Mr. Cornell one day met Mr. White on his way from the State House, at Albany, 
and seemed to have something on his mind. At last he said: "I have five 
hundred thousand dollars more than my family need. I would like to do some- 
thing with it for the benefit of the State, and I would like 3'our advice regarding 
it.'' Mr. White answered : "Mr. Cornell, the most important things to be taken 
care of in this State, of course, are the charities and the common school educa- 
tion. But you can rel}' on the hearts of the whole people to take care of the 
charities. They will see to it that human suflFering is alleviated. As to common 
school education, you can rely upon the State to take charge of that. But the ad- 
vanced and higher instruction, without which common school education will 
always be weak and poor, and without which our civilization will be of a very 
low order, must be taken care of by the comparatively few men who see the im- 
portance of it. In my judgment, if you have such a sum to give, it can best be 
given to promote advanced education in science, literature and the arts for the 
benefit of the State and Nation." Mr. Cornell thanked him and there the subject 
ended for the time. 

During the summer after the close of the Legislature, Mr. White was invited 
by the trustees of the State Agricultural College, and by Mr. Cornell, to meet 
them at Rochester. He did so, and Mr. Cornell then laid before them a definite 
proposal. He said that Mr. White's arguments as to the necessity of a very large 
sum being required to found an institution for advanced instruction had con- 
verted him; that he was prepared to meet that view, and he proposed that if the 
State would accept his proposal to divide the fund into two parts, leaving half 
where it already was — with the "People's College" — and giving the other half to 
the Agricultural College at Ovid, he would give to the latter institution $300,000; 
thus enabling it to have as large an endowment as if the entire land grant had 



been given it, since that was estimated by the Comptroller at $600,000, The 
trustees, including a large number of the most prominent men in the State, were 
greath- delighted with this, expressing their opinions most favorably. But on 
being asked for his view, Mr. White declared that he would oppose any such 
measure; that he would stand firm against any division of the land grant what- 
ever. An expression of disappointment and even of disgust was general in the 
meeting, but Mr. White kept on and stated that it was clear to him that the 
"People's College" would do nothing, and that if Mr. Cornell wouW ask in be- 
half of his institujion for the whole fund, and give to the State the $300,000 as 
proposed, he would support the measure. Nothing more was said at the time, 
but some time afterward Mr. Cornell, in the same quiet, firm manner came forward 
and made another proposal. Both he and Mr. White had satisfied themselves that 
the State Agricultural College had no future — it was, in fact, already a failure 
and had been closed for lack of students. Mr. Cornell's proposal now was that 
if the State would establish a new institution at Ithaca, N. Y., he would give to 
it $500,000. At the next session of the Legislature a bill was introduced in ac- 
cordance with Mr. Cornell's proposal. As to ihe name of the institution, he had 
never expressed any wish ; his intention was f mply that it should receive the 
title of Ithaca State College or something simihir. But at Mr. White's urgent 
request he consented that it should bear the name of Cornell Universit}', his 
view being that this was not only due Mr. Cornell, but was strictly in accordance 
with the best American precedents. 

The bill for the new University was very carefully drawn, the main hand in 
the work besides Mr. Cornell's and Mr. White's being that of Senator Charles J. 
Folger. Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and since that time Chief Justice 
of the State of New York and Secretary of the United States Treasury. The 
main features of the bill were that it proposed the establishment of a real univer- 
sity, enabling the funds provided by Mr. Cornell to be used in establishing such 
departments and courses of study in addition to those named in the original act 
of Congress, as might be necessarj'^ to give the institution a university character. 
Now began a struggle both in the Committees of the Upper and Lower Houses, 
and in open Senate and Assembly. The bill was fought fiercely at every stage of 
its progress. All tactics possible were resorted to in order to delay or destroy it. 
Political influences, influences of great corporations, were arrayed against it 
The Legislature was flooded with petitions from the localities where the various 
denominational colleges were situated, and every denomination was strongly rep- 
resented among the opponents. The measure was called by various opprobrious 
names. Mr. Cornell was called a "land-grabber," a "land thief— was charged 
with wishing to "erect a monument to himself." The project was spoken of as 
"Utopian," "visionary," "crack-brained." "godless." In order to meet this op- 
position Mr. Cornell, at the request of Mr. White, invited small bodies of Sena- 
tors and Assemblymen to his room to hear Mr. White present his views as to the 
measure and as to the character of the bill. "In this way strength was steadily 
gained. Such Senators as Mr. Andrews, then of Herkimer County ; Havens, of 
Essex ; Folger, of Ontario ; Allen, of Chautauqua ; and such Asscmblj^men as 
Henry B. Lord, of Tompkins ; Daniel P. Wood, of Onondaga, and others, be- 



nVAP^CK f^HQ \1S RLSOV)^CLS. 



3b 



came its firm friends, standing from first to last in favor of the Cornell University 
bill against political pressure, appeals of the sectarian colleges and the clamors 
of various localities. Thanks also to Horace Greeley, Erastus Brooks, George 
William Curtis and Manton Marble, Mr. White was enabled to meet the various 




attacks in the New York papers. At times the measure appeared to be hopeless- 
ly lost. After a severe struggle it passed the Senate, but having got into the Ed- 
ucation Committee of the Assembly it remained there, and no arguments were 
able to induce the committee to report. From some cause; which has never been 
cleared up, that committee refused week after week, month after month, to present 



the bill to the Assembl)' even for consideration. Finally the friends of the meas- 
ure rallied in force, took the bill out of the hands of the committee and brought 
it to a consideration by the two thirds vote required for such action. Then the 
contest thickened — leading men were summoned from various parts of the coun- 
try to work against it ; some of the most active legislative agents of corporations, 
and some of the most skillful wire pullers, exerted themselves to the utmost to 
defeat the measure, but all in vain. The bill finally passed the Assembly, but it 
was amended. And here came new complications and troubles. While the bill 
was yet in the Senate the friends of one of the smaller denominational colleges 
in the State came in force to the Legislature to oppose the measure. They de- 
clared their college had never received anything from the State and that it must 
nowr have something. Among other things, it was proposed that Mr. Cornell 
should pledge himself, in case the bill passed, to give $25,000 to found a professor- 
ship in the college referred to. There were not wanting men who advised Mr. 
Cornell to accept these terms, but his answer was in accordance with his manly, 
straightforward, honest nature. He said : "Never! I will make no pledges or 
promises in private. Whatever 3'ou can induce the Legislature to put into the 
bill, I will consider — I will accept or reject it, but it must be open so that all men 
can see and understand the whole transaction." The result was that a clause was 
inserted in the bill in the Assembly making it a condition of the establishment of 
the new university that $25,000 should be given by Mr. Cornell for founding a 
professorship in agricultural chemistry in Genesee College ; in other words, be- 
fore Mr. Cornell could be allowed to give $500,000 to the State, he must give $25,- 
000 to a Methodist College. When the bill came back to the Senate with this 
amendment another storm arose, but in view of the approaching end of the ses- 
sion and the necessity of coming to some conclusion, the bill was passed as 
amended and became a law. 

But there was still another rock on which the new enterprise might split. 
The bill contained a proviso that the trustees of the "People's College" might re- 
tain the land grant, should they comply with such conditions as the Regents of the 
State University might declare equivalent to a compliance with the conditions im- 
posed upon the States when the land grant was first turned over to them. The re- 
gents fixed the sum at $150,000, and three months was allowed for them to obtain 
this sum. The trustees of the "People's College" gave no sign, allowed the 
whole three months to elapse, did nothing and so lost the grant. And now Mr. 
Cornell came forward, paid the $25,000 to the Genesee College, transferred not 
only tlie $50o,C'00 originall}' required by the bill, but 200 acres of land in the town 
of Ithaca on which the University should be established, and it might also here be 
mentioned that he afterward gave sums out of his own fortune, running up his 
original gift to an aggregate little short of $1,000,000. Yet this was but a small 
part of the endowment due to him. With that wonderful foresight to which he 
owed his own fortune, he saw that a very large sum could be realized by the in- 
stitution through the "location"' of the land scrip received from the State. He 
was the only man in the United States who foresaw this and acted upon it. And 
hence arose the noblest endowment ever due for any purpose on this earth to a 
single individual. 



The land which the general Government gave to each of the States, in the 
proportion of 30,000 acres to each representative in Congress, was represented by 
land scrip — that is, each State received land scrip for as many acres as it was en- 
titled to under the act of 1862. The various States, anxious to realize money, 
threw this scrip representing Government land into the market. The result was 
that the market was soon glutted and the price of the scrip went down to a very 
low figure. Some of the States sold their scrip as low as 30 cents an acre. The 
Comptroller of the State of New York, when Mr. Cornell took up the matter, had 
already sold some of the scrip atabout 60 cents. Mr. Cornell set himself to stop this 
as far as the State of New York was concerned. He determined to locate the 
"scrip"' — that is, not to sell it, but to take up government lands with it. But the 
difficulty was that a State could not do this. The United States laws of 1862, 
which gave the land scrip, specially declared that no State should take up land 
within the boundaries of another State. There was an evident fear of an itnpe- 
rium in imperio. Seeing this Mr. Cornell came forward and offered to put himself 
under heavy bonds to "locate" the scrip for the benefit of Cornell University, 
paying, by a process carefully specified, the market value of the scrip into the 
State Treasury. After some opposition a law was passed to this effect, and Mr. 
Cornell devoted himself, in the midst of great business cares of his own, to ob- 
taining with the scrip valuable pine lands in Wisconsin and farm lands in other 
States. In this he was indefatigable, visiting the most distant Western States, 
traveling night and day through the woods, selecting lands to the best advantage 
for the future University and devoting his own fortune to paying taxes, with the 
other enormous expenses attendant upon so large a transaction. Thus it was that 
he 'located" about half a million acres, and with great care. 

The bill passed by the Legislature regarding the Cornell University required 
it to be in operation by the 8th day of October, 1868. The delay of the "Peo- 
ple's College" authorities in announcing their decision had held back the Cornell 
University, but at the first moment the trustees were brought together at Ithaca. 
At Mr. Cornell's request, Mr. White had drawn up a report on the organization 
of the University. This was read to the trustees, and as a result Mr. White was 
chosen President. Nothing was further from his expectations or wishes. He 
had business cares which seemed to attach him closely to the place where his 
family lived, Syracuse, N. Y. He was also greatly attached to his duties in the 
Stale Senate, and his work as Professor in the University of Michigan. Impor- 
tant business cares were upon him, and he had just been elected to a professor- 
ship at Yale College, which, if he returned to professional life, was just what he 
wished to take. But the earnestness of Mr. Cornell, the importance of making 
a proper beginning, led him to accept the Presidency of the new University 
as a temporary matter. He had no idea of remaining in it for more than a few 
months. His purpose was, in the meantime, to get the new enterprise started, 
and to aid in selecting a man who should carry it on. Shortly after, at the re- 
quest of Mr. Cornell, the buildings having been begun and some professors 
called. President White was asked to go to Europe in order to study the organ- 
ization of various technical institutions, to secure some professors and to pur- 
chase books and apparatus. With this request he complied, travelling through 



3& \1V\NCN ^U\i ns RLSOVi^CLS. 

England, France and Germany, looking closely at agricultural and technical 
schools and making large purchases of illustrative material and books of all 
sorts. Besides this he had the good fortune to interest and secure Mr. Goldwin 
Smith, then Professor of History at the University of Oxford, and highly esteemed 
on both sides of the Atlantic, for the Department of English History, and Dr. 
James Law, already an authority in veterinary science at the London College, 
for the College of Agriculture. 

At the time required by the charter the University was open. There were 
very great difficulties — but two buildings were ready, and these were incomplete. 
There were no doors upon the student's rooms, no bridges across the streams and 
ravines — in fact, the difficulties were distressing. The interest in the new insti- 
tution was great, however, and from all parts of the State people flocked in to the 
opening exercises. Although all went well, there were signs not at all pleasing. 
From all the denominational colleges and their supporters in the pulpit and in 
the sectarian press, began to come mutterings. The first sign was when the 
simple exercises at the opening of the University were attacked by a religious 
paper, so-called, most vehemently. Then it was that Mr. Cornell, President 
White and their associates saw what they had to face, for no campaign, even in 
the bitterness of a political contest, was ever more skillful for perverting and 
even falsifying fact than were some of the sectarian papers at that time. Every 
utterance was twisted from its true meaning. Words were put into the mouths 
both of Mr. Cornell and President White which they never dreamed of uttering. 
From various pulpits and papers went out the declaration that the new institu- 
tion, being unsectarian, must needs be godless, atheistic, materialistic. The 
simple fact was, that the various colleges of the State, founded by different de- 
nominations, became alarmed at the number of students flocking to the new 
institution. Moreover, the older colleges had their graduates as teachers and 
professors in most of the academies and high schools in the State, and these 
made common cause with the colleges from which they came and the religious 
organizations to which they belonged. Their hostility, too, was increased by the 
the fact that the new institution, while it made ample provision for classical stu- 
dies, also made more full provision than had heretofore been made in the inter- 
ior of the State, for scientific and technical studies. This was at once regarded 
as an attack on classical studies, and any one connected with any preparatory 
school where a little Latin and less Greek were taught, came to look upon the 
new University as an enemy. 

The charter of the University from the State had declared that persons of any 
religious and persons of no religious sect shall be equally eligible to all offices 
and appointments, but it had also declared regarding the governing body that a 
majority of the trustees should not be of any one religious sect. This clause 
would certainly seem to erect a complete barrier against religious control. At 
the worst, the institution was on the same footing with the public school system of 
the State. All such appeals were in vain, the war upon the University grew 
more and more bitter. But students came in spite of this, and in large numbers, 
and the work went on. A large faculty was gradually brought together, mainly 
graduates of the New England colleges who had supplemented their studies at 



nUNCN NH\i \TS;iHtSO\i^GtS. 



39 



European Universities. Illustrative material of all sorts was increased. Mr. 
Cornell added to his previous gifts various large collections in Natural History; 
and other friends came forward to help. It was indeed, one of the most interest- 
ing results of the war waged by various denominational institutions and journals 



^ ?^ 




and pulpits upon the institution that so many wealthy men attached to the same 
denominations came forward and contributed large sums to the institution. Mr. 
John McGraw, of Ithaca, gave $120,000 to erect a building for the Natural History 
collections and lecture rooms. Mr. Hiram Sibley gave then and afterwards about 
$100,000 for building, equipment and endowment for the Department of Mechan- 
ical Engineering. Mr. E. B. Morgan, of Aurora, gave a considerable sum for 



scientific expeditions to Brazil, headed by one of the University professors, of 
which a leading object was to add to the University collection in Natural His- 
tory. Goldwin Smith gave his library in English History and Law, and a large 
sum of money in addition. Mr. Dean Sage gave $30,000 for the endowment of 
the University pulpit, thus providing for two sermons each Sunday from the most 
eminent divines ot the several Christian denominations, throughout the Fall and 
Spring terms of the University year. Mr. Henry W. Sage gave something over 
$340,000 for a College for Women, and for other purposes. Mr. William Kelly 
gave $4,000 for a Mathematical Library, and President White gave over a hundred 
thousand dollars for various purposes of the institution. Mr. W. H. Sage gave 
$3,500 for a'specific purpose, and various other individuals gave sums, large and 
small, for different purposes. The attacks on the Universitv then, while they 
doubtless kept many young men from its privileges by false statements, arousing 
prejudice, really stirred the friends of the institution to greater endeavors than 
they would ever have made otherwise. 

There were other difficulties to meet, however. The number of names pre- 
sented for positions in the faculty of the institution was enormous ; and many of 
the disappointed candidates and their friends were intenselj' disgusted at the 
short-sightedness of an institution which failed to recognize their claims. Multi- 
tudes of the people who infest and amuse American society were also greatly disap- 
pointed that their crotchets were not attached to the University, and henceforth 
many of them devoted themselves to showing that it could not possibly succeed. 
All these attacks seemed but to stimulate the friends of the institution to new ex- 
ertions. Then came another class. It began to be seen that the amount to be 
realized from the "location" of the lands would be very large. Sundry journals 
and persons, partly from local jealousy, partly stirred by denominational influ- 
ence, partly yielding to a wish to make a sensation by attacking a man so honest 
as Ezra Cornell, began to present him to the State as a man whose only purpose 
was to make a great fortune lor himself out of the land. They called him "land 
thief and "land grabber". At first Mr. Cornell prepared careful statements 
showing the falsity of these charges. They produced no effect whatever. Thes^e 
papers only redoubled their fury, reiterating the charges, inventing new statements 
in place of those which Mr. Cornell had exploded. At last this series of at- 
tacks was brought to a head through an onslaught made in the Legislature of the 
State by a member of that body from the district which had hoped to have the en- 
dowment, but through its own want of public spirit had lost it. In his speech 
the honorable gentleman berated Mr. Cornell at great length before the State as 
simply actuated by selfish motives and perpetrating a gigantic fraud on the State 
— in fact, as nothing more or less than a criminal who ought to be brought to jus- 
tice. Mr. Cornell had been born in the State and had lived in it sixty years. He 
was known Irom one end of it to the other as a man of the noblest and purest 
character. All made no difference. The speech against him was printed at length 
in the leading papers of the State, and he was called upon to explain. He took 
all these attacks in the most quiet, philosophical way. When President White 
lamented them to him. he simply said that he rejoiced that they had come now in- 
stead of after his death ; that now he was able to answer them. He immediately 



telegraphed and wrote to General Dix, then Governor of the State, requesting him 
to appoint a committee to investigate his acts, and that such committee should 
have in it a majority of men opposed to him political!}'. A committee was ap- 
pointed composed of Horatio Seymour, John D. Van Buren and William A. 
Wheeler — three names honored throughout the entire State. The investigation 
made by them was most thorough. Its result was a complete vindication of Mr. 
Cornell in every particular ; and not onl}' vindication but commendation of a very 
high sort, which coming as it did from a committee in which two of the members 
were politicallv opposed to Mr. Cornell, carried great weight. The truth of his- 
tory must be mentioned, however, that, although the opinion of all thoughtful men 
was turned in Mr. Cornell's favor by these same journals, and although the mem- 
ber of the Assembly who made this most bitter attack virtually retracted his state- 
ments, one leading newspaper in the State, which was in the interest of a denom- 
inational college, persisted in reiterating the charges until Mr. Cornell's death. 



Despite the attacks continually made upon it, Cornell University throve and 
steadily advanced towards the objective point— a real university. When the 
institution was organized, its trustees thought it their duty under the charter to 
establish not only certain general, classical, scientific, philosophical, but certain 
special courses having reference to the development of the great industries of 
the country. All was experiment. No one knew how many would wish to take 
these courses. It was thought best to set the standard low at first, and gradually 
to raise it. In the first years neither algebra nor geometry was required — the 
result was that students were largely drawn from the upper classes of the high 
schools and the first year of its courses duplicated high-school work. This was 
found to be unjust to the schools, and to the industrial as well as the educational 
interests of the State. Then the standard was gradually raised, and has contin- 
ued to be steadily raised, making the examinations more and more careful, down 
to the present time. For a time there was a considerable falling off, but the tide 
has turned and an upward movement has begun — Cornell University is no 
longer a dream, but a fact. Never were its circumstances more favorable, never 
were its prospects so satisfactory as now; the faith of its President has been jus- 
tified; his promises more than fulfilled; and that his prophecy, "the progress of 
the next five years is to outstrip by far what has been done in the past ten,'" will 
be as fully realized, no person of an unprejudiced mind has the least doubt. 

Upon the 265 acres comprising the University grounds have been erected 
sixteen Universit)' buildings, varying in cost from $3,000 to over $150,000. Of 
these sixteen buildings, the cost of four, and half the cost of another, has been 
borne by the University, leaving eleven and one-half as the gifts of individuals, 
and among these gifts are the two most expensive of all, to both of which have 
been added sums more than sufficient to maintain them in good repair. The 
appended table will show the cost of these buildings and the year in which 
erected: 



BUILDING YEAR COST 

1. Cascadilla Place - - - 1868 - - - $37,010.94 

2. Morrill Hall _ _ _ _ 1868 _ _ _ 70,111.25 

3. McGraw Natural History Building 1871 - - - 120,000.00 

4. Sibley College of Mechanic Arts - 1871 _ _ _ 28,821.14 

5. President's House _ _ _ 1871 _ _ _ 50,000.00 

6. White Hall _ _ _ _ 1873 _ _ _ 80,485.16 

7. Old Laboratory _ - _ _ 1873 - _ _ - 23,699.12 

8. South Farm Building _ _ _ 1873 _ _ _ 5,000.00 

9. Sage Chapel - - - - 1874 - - - 30,000.00 

10. Sage College - - - - 1875 - - _ 150,000.00 

11. North Farm Building - - 1879 - _ _ 6,000.00 

12. Botanical Laboratory and Greenhouses 1882 - - - 15,000.00 

13. Sibley Foundry - - - 1882 _ _ _ 3,000.00 

14. New Laboratory _ _ _ _ 1883 - - - 90,000.00 

15. Armory and Gvmnasium - - 1883 - - - 32,00000 

16. Memorial Chapel - - - 1883 - - - 20,000.00 

Total cost of Buildings _ _ _ _ $761,127.61 

Farm and Grounds _____ 99,093.91 

Total _____ $860,221.52 

In the year 1881 Mrs Jennie McGraw Fiskc bequeathed to the University 
$50,000 for the maintenance of the McGraw Natural Histor}' building, given by 
her father; $40,000 for the erection and maintenance of a Cottage Hospital for 
students, and the residue of her estate, amounting to nearly a million of dollars, 
to the University Library. Included in this residue was the beautiful house 
erected for her own residence on grounds adjoining the University Campus. 
But the legality of these bequests has been contested, and the matter is at pres- 
ent under litigation. Had the McGraw-Fiske mansion been included in the 
above list of buildings, it would have swelled the total b}' $210,000. In addition to 
the cost of buildings and grounds, the total cost, of the equipment of departments 
up to the present time is about $350,000, so that on the permanent equipment in 
the form of buildings, grounds, farm, library, machiner)' and apparatus and illus- 
trative collections, all in constant use for purposes of instruction, there has been 
expended up to this time ov^er twelve hundred thousand dollars ; and a very 
large share of this sum has come from the private gifts of public-spirited citizens. 
During the past two years alone the following additions have been made: (r) A 
large addition to the botanical laboratories and conservatories — the gifts of Hon. 
Henry W. Sage — at a cost of $15,000. (2) The building for the use of the depart- 
ments of chemistry and physics— the largest and best equipped thus far erected in 
the United States — at a cost of $90,000. (3) The armory and gymnasium, 60x160 
feet and 30 feet high, with a wing containing baths, dressing rooms, etc., at a 
cost of $32,000. This gymnasium is under the charge of an experienced physi- 
cian and gymnast, and physical training has the same careful attention as mental 
training. (4) An addition to the Sibley College of Mechanic Arts -the gift of 
Hon. Hiram Sibley — for the practical instruction of mechanical engineers in 
foundry work, at a cost of $3,000. (5) A special collection of models of mechani- 
cal movements, being duplicates of the celebrated Reuleaux collection of kine- 
matic models made for the Imperial College of Mechanical Engineering at Ber- 
lin — also gift the of Mr. Sibley at a cost of $8,000. (6) A collection of instruments^ 



\'^H^c^ Ku\5 us ^^sovi^CLS. 



KZ 




'7 ^ " ( -■-'■"- % ^fp/ "''^i— ^v;-*:^ 



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THE NEW CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL LABORATORY. 

photographs and models of bridges, roofs, railway plants, locks for slack wa- 
ter navigation, etc., for the use of the department of Civil Engineering, from 
Paris and Vienna, at a cost of over $10,000. (7) Very large additions to the chemical 
and physical apparatus, at a cost of $23,000. (8) Considerable additions to the 
Museum of Natural History, at a cost of $10,000. (9) Sundry additions to the Li- 
brar}^at a cost of about $35,000. (10) The residence and grounds of the late Mrs. Jen- 
nie McGraw- Fiske, being part of the residuary interest of her estate, together with 
the paintings, statuar}',bronzes. tapestries and the extensive collection of exam- 
ples of art as applied to industr}', which at present form an art museum. The cost 
of the building, with its contents and grounds, as already stated exceeds $200,000. 
(II) The McGraw-Fiske Hospital for students, provided for in Mrs. Fiske's will 
by a bequest of $40,000. (12) A memorial chapel and mausoleum in honor of 
John McGraw, Mrs. Jennie McGraw-Fiske and Ezra Cornell, on the University 
grounds, by the trustees of the University and the executors of the estate of John 
McGraw and Mrs. Fiske, at a cost of $20,000. The liberality of the benefactors 
who have from time to time endowed the University renders it almost independ- 
ent of students' fees, and but one-twentieth of all its revenue comes from this 
source. At the same time, the advantages it enjoys in buildings, equipments, etc.. 
are unsurpassed by any, and equalled by few of the colleges of the country. 

Cornell University differs from most educational institutions in the United 
States in (i) the addition to the ordinary governing faculty of non-resident profes- 
sors and lecturers, some of whom deliver each year courses of lectures upon sub- 
jects in the investigation of which they have acquired a high reputation ; (2) liber- 



ty in the choice of studies ; (3) the prominence given to studies of practical utili- 
ty ; (4) the absence of a marking system determining the relative rank of each 
student in his class ; (5) the non-sectarian character of the institution. The Uni- 
versity is controlled by a board of trustees of twenty-three members, among them 
being the eldest male lineal descendant of the founder, together with the Presi- 
dent of the University, the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of the State, the 
Speaker of the Assembly, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the President 
of the State Agricultural Society and the Librarian of the Cornell Library. Of 
the remaining fifteen, two are elected annuall}' by the trustees and one by the 
Alumni, the term of office being five years. 

The faculty now consists of forty-two resident professors, four non resi- 
dent professors and lecturers, and eighfinstructors. The work is divided among 
twenty two departments, viz : Agriculture, entomology, veterinary science, me- 
chanical engineering, inilitarj' science, architecture, civil engineering, freehand 
drawing, mathematics and astronomy, physics, chemistry and mineralog)^, botanj^ 
geology and palaeontology, zoology (including human anatomy and hygiene and 
comparative anatomy), ancient classical languages, Oriental languages, Germanic 
languages, Romance languages. Anglo-Saxon and English literature, general lit- 
erature and oratory, moral and intellectual philosophy, history and political sci- 
ence. The student has a choice between eighteen courses of study, of which sev- 
enteen lead to degrees, viz : Agriculture, mechanical engineering (two), archi- 
tecture, civil engineering (two), electrical engineering, mathematics, chemistry 
and physics, analytical chemistry, natural history, medical preparatory, history 
and political science, arts, literature, philosophy, science, science and letters 

For purposes of advanced study, the University extends its privileges to its 
own graduates, and to graduates of like standing from other colleges and univer- 
sities, and it confers advanced degrees as below ; but graduate students who are 
not candidates for a degree are received in any department and for any length of 
time. To graduate students there is no charge for tuition, and thej' have the free 
use of the library, laboratories, and collections. In addition to the special courses 
of instruction given to undergraduates, courses of study for graduates leading to 
advanced degrees are provided for in the following general departments : His- 
tory and Political Science, Philosophy and Letters, Comparative Philology, the An- 
cient Classical Languages and Literatures, the Oriental Languages and Literatures, 
the Modern European Languages and Literatures, Chemistry and Physics, Civil 
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Natural History ; and the 
following advanced degrees are offered : Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, 
Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Master of Science, Doctor of Science, Doc- 
tor of Veterinary Medicine. 

The Library now contains about forty-six thousand bound volumes, and four- 
teen thousand pamphlets. It is a working library, eminently adapted to the pur- 
poses of research, and especially rich in works on history, the ancient classical 
languages and literatures, the oriental languages and literatures, comparative 
philology, mathematics, agriculture, architecture, civil engineering and mechani- 
cal engineering. By the will of the late Mrs Jenny McGraw Fiske, who died in 
October, 1881, the Library received a specific bequest, and was also made residu- 



^v^^o^ i^ho \ts ^tsovi^cts 



iv!> 




t\SAGE CHAPEL.CORNELL UNI/ERSITY. 
'sJ ^ ITHACA.n.Y. /- b' 



^ 



ar)' legatee. From this source there has been paid to the University, up to the 
present time, about $700,000 ; and the income from this fund, known as the Mc- 
Graw Library Fund, is to be applied to the support and increase of the Library. 
Such courses as embody agriculture, mechanics, engineering, electrical engin- 
eering, agricultural chemistry and analytical chemistry are taught both practically 
and theoretically, and for this purpose the University has its farm, with model 
dairy, stock, etc.; its machine shops, and complete engineering department, equip- 
ped with the latest and best mechanical tools, machines and appliances ; its chem- 
ical laboratory, where such work is performed as has special reference to the re- 
quirements of manufacturers ; and an electrical department, furnished with a most 
complete set of electrical apparatus and appliances and especially arranged for in- 
struction and experimental work. The extensive illustrative collections made for 
the working laboratories in the departments of chemistry, physics, botany, ento- 
mology, geology, palaeontology, zoology, architecture, civil, mechanical and elec- 
trical engineering and veterinary science afford students every facility for thorough 
and comprehensive study and the University is continually increasing the facilities 
in these as well as in every other department. 

By an act of the trustees passed in April, 1872, women are admitted to the 
University on the same terms as men, except that they must be seventeen years 
old. The elegant Sage College building was built, furnished and endowed by the 
Hon. Henrj' W. Sage as a place of residence for lady students, with the stipula- 
tion that "instruction should be afforded to young women by Cornell University 
as broad and thorough as to young men." The terms and conditions of admission 
to the University are that male candidates must be at least sixteen and female can- 



didates seventeen years of age and must pass a thoroughly satisfactory examina- 
tion. State students to the number of 12S may be admitted each year, the origi- 
nal act of incorporation providing for the admission of one student annually from 
each assembly district without payment of tuition. They are selected by compet- 
itive examinations from the various public schools and academies throughout the 
State. For State students, for students in agriculture and for all resident gradu- 
ates pursuing post-graduate courses there is no charge for tuition or for the use 
of the library and the collections. Some of the students are enabled to support 
themselves wholly or in part, while pursuing their studies, by laboring on the 
farm, in the machine shop or in the printing establishment, for which they receive 
the usual rate of wages. It is also probable that at an early day a number of 
scholarships and fellowships will be established, according to the provision made 
in 1873 by the five trustees who who then gave to the University $150,000 to assist 
it out of financial difficulties. 

The whole number of students that entered Cornell University in 1882, was 
354, as against 408 in 1883 — an increase of 54. The whole number of freshmen 
entering in 1882, was 137, as against 165 in 1883 — an increase of 28. This is an 
excellent showing, of which the citizens of Ithaca, equally with the University 
authorities, feel a justifiable pride. 

The University, established by a government which recognizes no distinc- 
tion of religious belief, seeks neither to promote any creed nor to exclude any. 
By the terms of its charter, persons of any religious denomination or of no reli- 
gious denomination are equally eligible to all offices and appointments, and it is 
expressly ordered that "at no time shall a majority of the board of trustees be of 
any one religious sect, or of no religious sect" ; but, though it cannot be sectari- 
an, it is not unchristian. In the University Chapel religious services are held, 
and discourses delivered by eminent clergymen of the various Christian denomi- 
nations, the endowment for this series of sermons being the gift of Dean Sage, 
Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Although students are not compelled to attend these services, every effort is 
made to attract them thither ; and the result has been most gratifying. Listless- 
ness or breaches of order in Chapel are things utterly unknown ; while the at- 
tendance is large and constant. There is also in the University, a fiourshing 
Christian Association, the members of which meet twice weekly in a room beau- 
tifully fitted up for them in the University buildings. Many of the students, 
however, prefer to aflSliate themselves with the churches of Ithaca; and in order 
to permit this there is no preaching in the University Chapel on the first Sunday 
of the college year. Does this look like a "godless," "atheistic" or "materialis- 
tic'' community? 

Cornell University to-day has but three rivals in the land, and is steadily 
marchinng forward to a position where the arrows of its assailants cannot harm. 
The great trust has been managed wisely, and is fully realizing the aims and 
hopes of its founder and its promoters. And where is there an institution to 
which you can point that has accomplished so much in the same period, that has 
achieved a greater success in fifteen years, or with a record more proud? If any 



refutation of the charges, the attacks made upon it, in the past or present, were 
necessary, what more could be desired than this look into the history and condi- 
tion of the noble institution. Truly here "a good work has been done ; a good 
work is doing ; a good work is to be done." 




Ezra Cornell was born at Westchester, Westchester county, N. Y., Jan. 
II, 1807. His father was poor and inured to hard labor, but a man of some cul- 
ture and for many winters taught district schools. He was a potter by trade and 
lived to the age of 91 years, having reared a famil}^ of eleven children, of whom 
Ezra was the eldest. The advantages Ezra enjoyed for an early education were 
confined to these winter schools taught by his father ; nor were these always 
open to him except by purchase. In i8ig his father removed to DeRuyter, 
Madison county, N. Y., where he established a small pottery and with the as- 
sistance of Ezra and a younger brother, conducted a farm. Here his father also 
taught school during the winter. Ezra and his younger brother wishing to at- 
tend it, obtained their father's consent on condition that they should clear four 
acres of heavily timbered land by planting time in the spring. The task was ac- 
complished by the loth of May following. At the age of 18, without any pre- 
vious apprenticeship, he cut timber and planned and built a two-story house for 
his father. In 1826 he began life for himself. He worked two years as a carpen- 
ter and joiner at Syracuse, Homer and other places, and in 1828, came to Ithaca, 
engaging with Otis Eddy to work in the machine shop attached to the cotton fac- 
tory, at $8 a month and board. This sum was voluntarily increased by Mr. Eddy, 
at the end of six months, to $12. In 1830 he was employed by J. S. Beebe in 
repairing a mill. By his faithfulness and skill he won the confidence of his em- 
ployer, who gave him entire charge of his milling business at a salary of $400 per 
annum. He continued in this position until 1840, building for his employer in 
the meantime a large flouring mill and engineering the construction of the since 
famous "tunnel," by which water is carried from the dam above the first fall in 
Ithaca Gorge to the mills. He also built the well-known Beebe dam at the head 
of the Gorge. In 1840, Mr. Beebe having failed, he purchased the right for a 
patent plow for the States of Maine and Georgia, and travelled through those 



States selling it. While thus engaged he made the acquaintance of Francis O. 
J. Smith, who was interested in the then new invention, the magnetic telegraph. 
How by means of his inventive genius, he perfected a machine for laying wire 
under ground, how he improved the crude instruments of Professor Morse, mak- 
ing them effective on long circuits, and accomplished other achievements of im- 
mense value to telegraphy, are facts that have passed into history and need not 
be detailed. He received in 1844, at the hands of Hon. John C. Spericer, then 
Secretary of the Treasury, the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Tele- 
graph. In May of that year he finished the line between Washington and Balti- 
more, and in 1845 between the latter city and New York. His salary was then 
$1,000 a year, of which he invested $500 in telegraph stock. In 1845 he built a 
line from New York to Albany, clearing thereby $6,000, and the following year 
organized a company and built a line from Troy to Montreal, by which he cleared 
$30,000. He invested much of this sum in a line from Buffalo to Milwaukee, 
but because of some controversy between owners of different portions of the 
patent, the proper fruits of this outlay were for a long time delayed. In 1855, 
largely through the efforts of Mr. Cornell, the rival interests were consolidated 
under the name of the Western Union Telegraph Company, in which he was and 
remained a large shareholder. He married, in 1831, Mary Ann, daughter of 
Benjamin Wood, of Dryden, N. Y., and his family, nearly all the time he was en- 
gaged in the telegraph business, remained in Ithaca. Great wealth flowed from 
his investments in the telegraph and was poured out unstintedly in behalf of 
many enterprises whereby his fcUow-man was benefited, his beloved town en- 
riched and his name glorified forever. Besides the Free Library and the Uni- 
versity which he founded, his efforts in behalf of the railroad interests of the 
place were almost superhuman, and involved outlays of money amounting to 
nearly or quite $2,000,000. He never sought political distinction, but willingly 
served where duty called. He was in early life a Whig and in later life a Re- 
publican. He was Assemblyman in 1861-3 ^"d State Senator from the Twenty- 
fourth District from 1863 to 1867. Though reared a Quaker, and holding in 
a measure to the views of this sect.he gave liberally in aid ofother denominations. 
His life was beyond reproach. He was truly a great man — approachable, large- 
hearted, unostentatious ; the worthy poor, the struggling student, found in him 
a sympathizing helper ; he was equally honored by those in high and those in 
humble stations. His death occurred December 9, 1874, at the age of sixty-seven 
years. To earth was lost one of God's noblemen ; to heaven was gained a right- 
eous spirit ; his good deeds live after him ; his name goes down to posterity 
with those of Peabody, Girard and Cooper. 

Andrew Dickson WiiiTE, LL. D., the first and present President of Cornell 
University, was born at Homer, N. Y., November 7, 1832. His father was Horace 
White and his mother Clara Dickson White, both of New England parentage. 
In i839he went, with his father's family,to reside in Syracuse, N.Y. Having studied 
in the Syracuse Academy and in a private school at Ballston Spa, he entered Ge- 
neva College, now known as Hobart, in the fall of 1849, remained there one year, 
and then went to Yale College, where he was made an editor of the Yale Literary 
Magazine and took the Clark, Yale Literary and DeForest prizes, graduating in 



1853. In December of the same year he went to Europe and there remained near- 
ly three years as a student, mainly at the College of France, Paris, and the Uni- 
versity of Berlin. He was also during seven months an attache of the American 
Legation at St. Petersburg. His residence covered the critical period of the 
Crimean War, the blockade of Cronstadt, the death of the Emperor Nicholas and 
the accession of Alexander II.; and of some of the more interesting events of the 
time he furnished accounts to sundry American journals. In 1857 he was elected 
Professor of History and English Literature in the University of Michigan, and 
interested himself greatly, in co-operation with Dr. Tappen, President at that 
time, and Professor Henry S. Frieze, LL. D , late acting President, in developing 
the institution as a University. During all this period he kept up constant busi- 
ness relations with Syracuse, and in 1862, on the death of his father, demands of 
business obliged him to give up his duties at the University of Michigan as a res- 
ident Professor, though he continued to be a non-resident Professor and Lecturer 
there for two years longer. His health being at the time temporarily broken, he 
spent a few monthfj in Europe by the advice of his physicians, and gave his spare 
time there to opposing in the press, at London and Frankfort-on-the-Main, the 
men who were endeavoring to bring about an intervention of European powers in 
favor of the States in the rebellion. His main work of this kind in London (pub- 
lished there under the title of "A Word from the Northwest," and afterward re- 
published in the United States) was in response to the strictures in the 'Ameri- 
can Diary" of Dr. W. H. Russell, correspondent of the London Times. After his 
return, and in the intervals of business, he found time to speak in the central 
part of the State on the political issues of the day, and was shortly afterward 
elected to the New York State Senate, and again in 1864 re-elected. While there, 
he gave his attention, first, to the measures necessitated by the Civil War. which 
was then at its height, and next to the amelioration of the condition of New York 
City, which at that time was prostrate under misrule. Having been appointed 
one of the Committee on Municipal Affairs, he devoted himself especially to a re- 
form of the Health Department. His associates on the Committee not having 
been re elected, and so having been prevented from presenting a formal report, 
he made, on his re-election, an informal report and speech which again brought 
up the subject. His earnest and judicious advocacy resulted in the reform that 
brought in the new Health Board, which still exists. As Chairman of the Com- 
mittee on Education and Literature, he devoted himself especially to the interests 
of public instruction ; and among other important measures, reported and advo- 
cated the bill codifying the educational laws of the State. His successful efforts 
to prevent the division of the land grant, which resulted in the endwoment of 
Cornell University by Ezra Cornell and its incorporation, have been related. In 
1865 he was elected to the Directorship of the School of Fine Arts founded by 
Mr. Street at Yale College, and to the Professorship of the History of Art at that 
institution. These proposals he declined. He also received the honorary degree 
of Doctor of Laws from the State University of Michigan at about this time. In 
the same year he prepared an extended report on the organization of the Cornell 
University, which was presented to the Trustees ; and, at their first meeting, on 
motion of Mr. Cornell, he was unanimously elected to the Presidency of the new 



bO 



nV\kGk Kn^ \TS ^LSOXi^C^S. 




THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. 

institution. In the summer of 1866. he delivered the Phi Beta Kappa oration at 
Yale College, on "The Most Bitter Foe of Nations, and the Way to its Perma- 
nent Overthrow," the principal object being to show the danger of allowing a 
slaveholding aristocracy to survive the Civil War. In 1S6S he visited Europe to 
examine the organization and management of the leading schools of agriculture 
and technology in England, France and Germany, and to purchase books and ap- 
paratus. Returning, he was present at the opening of the University for instruc- 
tion and delivered an inaugural address in which he took occasion to develop 
more fully the plans and scope of the new institution. In this address he took 
ground strongly, not against classical instruction, but in favor of a greater mix- 
ture of scientific and technical education, and in favor of University methods as 
against the collegiate methods then mainly in use. Having been elected to the 
Professorship of History, he resumed his historical studies, giving instruction, 
mainly by lecture, in addition to his other duties. From time to time he made 
addresses or wrote papers presenting his ideas on education. Among these 
were : i. An address upon "Scientific and Industrial Education in the United 
States," delivered before the New York State Agricultural Society and afterwards 
reprinted in the Popular Science Monthly. 2, A paper on the "Relation of the Na- 
tional and State Governments to Advanced Education," — read before the National 
Educational Association at Detroit, in 1874, and afterwards reprinted in Old and 
New. 3, An address on "Education in Political Science," delivered before the 
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, at its third anniversary, in 1877. In Janu- 



aiy, 1871, he was appointed by President Grant, as one of the Government Com- 
missioners to Santo Domingo, under the Act of Congress, the other Commission- 
ers being Senator B F. Wade, of Ohio, and Dr. Samuel G. Howe, of Massa- 
chusetts. In the fall of 1871 he was temporary and permanent President of the 
State Republican Convention at Syracuse. He was a delegate-at-Iarge to the Na- 
tional Convention in 1872 ; was one of the electors of the State of New York at 
the second elect on of General Grant ; and was also a delegate at-large to the 
Republican National Convention in 1876, but was unable to attend In 1876 he 
delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Brown University, and at the 
Cooper Institute in New York, a lecture entitled "The Battle Fields of Science." 
This was afterv^ards expanded into the treatise entitled "The Warfare of Science,'' 
published in New York in 1876, and in London, with a preface by Professor Tyn- 
dall, in the same year. He was Chairman of the Jur}' ol Public Instruction at the 
Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876. In the fall of that year he went to 
Europe, spending the winter at Stuttgart in historical studies, and after traveling 
in Germany and Italy was appointed by President Hayes an honorary Commis- 
sioner to the Paris Exposition of 1878. In this he was called, as the representa- 
tive of the United States, to a place upon the Jury of Appeals, which passed upon 
the higher awards recommended by the lower juries. In this way he formed an 
extensive acquaintance among men interested in literature, science and education, 
not only of France, but of the various other countries of Europe. At the close of 
the exhibition the President of the French Republic recognized his servicesby con • 
ferring upon him the cross of an officer of the Legion of Honor. Returning to Amer- 
ica in the fall of 1878, he resumed his University duties, but in the early spring 
of 1879 was appointed Envoy Extraordinar)' and Minister Plenipotentiar)' of the 
United States to the German Empire. He returned to the University in Septem- 
ber, 18S1, having found time during his stay in Germany, in addition to other 
duties, to study more closely than before the educational systems of Europe and to 
accumulate material for the University. While discharging his various political 
and educational trusts, Mr. White has held positions of importance in business. 
In the intervals of labor, and during his five visits to Europe he has collected a 
private library of about twenty thousand volumes, mainly in history, politi- 
cal and social science, and the fine arts. He has also donated to Cor- 
nell University the President's house, with its furnishings ; the Horace 
Mann Herbarium ; the White Architectural Library ; a collection of 
architectural photographs, perhaps the richest in the world ; a collec- 
tion of medallions and engraved gems ; a collection of photographs illus- 
trating Civil Engineering ; botanical, zoological and technical models and many 
works of art, which, with other contributions, make his gifts to the institution 
amount to considerably more than $100,000. In addition to the treatises and ad- 
dresses before named Mr. White has published various articles, of which the 
more important are : Outlines of a Course of Lectures on History, five editions, 
18601883 ; A Syllabus of a Fourth Series of Lectures on Modern History— the 
Greater States of Continental Europe; Review of the Governor's Message, a 
Speech in the New York State Senate,i864; The Cornell University,a Speech in the 
New York State Senate, 1865; Address on Agricultural Education, Albany, i86g; 



Report to the Trustees of Cornell University on Mr. Sage's Proposal to Endow 
a College for Women, 1872; Paper Money Inflation in France — How it Came, 
What it Brought, and How it Ended, 1876; A Bibliography of the French Revo- 
lution, published in W. O'Conncr Morris's "The French Revolution and First 
Empire" (Epochs of History Series); Report on the Provision for Higher In- 
struction in Subjects bearing directly upon Public Affairs (Paris Exposition, 
1878); James A. Garfield: Memorial Address, Ithaca. i88i; Cleveland Ad- 
dresses (On the Education of the Freedmen and at the Dedication of Adelbert 
College), Ithaca, 1882; The New Germany, New York, 1882; The Message of 
the Nineteenth Century to the Twentieth, New Haven, 1883; Sundry articles in 
the New Englander, the Atlantic Monthly and the North American Review, 1855-81. 



Such is the history, such is the condition of Cornell University,and such have 
been the lives of the two men to whom it mainly owes its existence. The story 
as told is reliable, accurate. If it has not interested you continue with me no 
longer, for I now have only to do with facts. 

EARLY HISTORY OF ITHSCI. 

"Since the probable visits of the Jesuit Fathers, who as early as 1657 had a 
mission church at Cayuga, the raiding visit of Colonel Dearborn in 1779 was the 
first intrusion of the white man into that part of the great wilderness which lay 
as a crescent at the head of Lake Tiohero (or Cayuga) and which has since be- 
come the political division known as the town of Ithaca. By this incursion of 
Sullivan, Cherry Valley and Wyoming had been terribly avenged, the spirit of 
the red warrior broken and peace brought to the land so lately the scene of war 
and massacre. The apprehension of any further trouble from the Indians having 
been allayed, it needed but the telling of the returned soldier's story embellished 
only with the truth concerning the physical attractions and great productiveness 
of the western country, to excite to enthusiasm the spirit of pioneer emigration." 

In the month of April, 1788, eleven men left Kingston, on the Hudson Riv- 
er, with two Delaware Indians for guides, to explore the country west of the 
Susquehanna River, with the intention of securing a future home. They were a 
month or more thus employed, but returned without making a location. In 
April of the following year, three of their number, related to each other by mar- 
riage, Jacob Yaple, Isaac Dumond, and Peter Hinepaw, revisited the district pre- 
viously explored and selected four hundred acres on lot 94, then in the county of 
Montgomery, of which the west line of Tioga street is now the western limit. 
Having planted some corn in the "Indian clearings," on the Flat, they left a 
younger brother of Jacob Yaple in charge of it and returned for their families. 
In September following they returned, bringing with them their families, a few 
articles of necessary household furniture, some farming utensils and a few hogs, 
sheep, cattle and horses. 

The three families numbered twenty persons — Jacob Yaple, his wife and 
three children; John Yaple, the brother; Isaac Dumond, his wife and three chiU 
dren; John Durnond and his wife; and Peter Hinepaw and his wife and thr6e 



children. A month was consumed in their journey to Owego, where there was a 
small settlement, and nineteen days thence to Ithaca. Between Owego and 
the head of Cayuga Lake was only a well-beaten Indian trail, along which the 
way had to be cleared through the forest. Arrived at their new home three log 
cabins were soon erected, the first on the north side of Cascadilla Creek, where 
Williams' Mill now stands, which was occupied by the Hinepaw family, and the 
other two, occupied by the Yaple and Dumond families, on the spot now covered 
by the residence of Adam S. Cowdry, on East State Street. The Indians proved 
friendly and gave the new-comers substantial assistance. In summer they occu- 
pied the higher ground with their wigwams, but at the approach of winter "pitch- 
ed their tents'' in the gorge of Six Mile Creek. The second year after the com- 
ing of the white people, however, the greater portion of the Indians removed to 
their reservation at the north end of the lake. 

Game was abundant in the adjacent forests, affording the table rare bits of 
deer and bear, while the lake and its tributaries sheltered and supported the 
choicest of the finny tribes. Long journeys were required at first to supply the 
families with flour, but in the second year of the settlement Jacob Yaple built a 
small mill on the Cascadilla, near Mr. Hinepaw's cabin, which was capable of 
grinding 20 or 25 bushels of grain per day. Other families soon followed these 
pioneers, but in the years 1791-93 when the roads or great "turnpikes," mainly 
following an easterly and westerly direction, were being pushed forward into 
the wilderness, giving to the pioneers means of more frequent communication 
with their friends and kin in the older settlements, the families of the Yaples, 
Dumonds and Hinepaw had the misfortune to lose their lands by reason of the 
carelessness or wickedness of their agent, who was to attend to the payment of 
installments and taxes in Albany, and it passed out of their possession. 

Simeon DeWitt then came into possession of nearly all the domain, which is 
now embraced within the boundsof the village corporation, as well as other lands 
outside that limit, and laid out the plot of a village to which he gave the name of 
Ithaca. He encouraged settlement by the liberal terms offered in the sale of his 
lands, but for about ten years after its first settlement the little hamlet on the 
flats increased very little in population, there being not more than half a dozen 
houses in 1798. The country about was filling up more rapidly and patches of 
clearing here and there foretold the doom of the late unbroken wilderness. The 
natural advantages of Ithaca were soon widely known, however, and enterpris- 
ing men came in to make use of her lake and streams for commercial and man- 
ufacturing purposes, and the succeeding decade was a period of accelerated 
growth, the hamlet becoming a village. 

In a letter dated Ithaca, May 8, i8io, Mr. DeWitt wrote: "I find 
this village considerably increased since I was here before. I have counted 
thirty-eight dwelling houses, among which are one very large, elegant three- 
story house for a hotel, and five of two stories ; the rest of one story — all gener- 
ally neat frame buildings. Besides these there is a school house and buildings 
for merchant's stores, and shops for carpenters, cabinetmakers, blacksmiths, 
coopers, tanners ; and we have besides shoemakers, tailors, two lawyers, one 
doctor, watch cleaner, turner, miller, hatters, etc., etc." The south side of the 



Cascadilla, in the vicinity of the cabin of Mr. Hinepaw and the mill of Mr. Ya- 
ple, became a sort of centre of trade and manufacture at the earliest period of 
Ithaca's history, but fifteen or twenty years later Aurora street, between Six Mile 
Creek and the Cascadilla, in turn became the business centre, and here were lo- 
cated the taverns, stores, factories, tanneries, etc. 

The public road built from Oxford, on the Chenango River, directly through 
to Ithaca, in 1791-93 became the great highway for immigration in the southern 
part of the State for many years, and in 1804 the Susquehanna and Bath Turn- 
pike was incorporated, running through the present towns of Caroline, Drydep, 
Ithaca and Enfield, what is now State street (earlier Owego) forming a part of 
the road. The Owego and Ithaca Turnpike Company, incorporated in 1807, was 
finished in 181 1, as was also the road to Geneva, by the Geneva and Ithaca Turn- 
pike Company. These roads gave to the little village of Ithaca considerable im- 
portance; the business of the place was stimulated by the demand for Cayuga 
plaster, which sprung up during the last war with England, when the supply from 
Nova Scotia was cut off. Immense quantities were transported from Ithaca by 
team to Owego, from whence by the river the lower markets were supplied. 

Governor Clinton evidently believed it to be a place of growing importance 
as early as 1810, for he thus wrote in his journal: "The situation of this place, 
at the head of Cayuga Lake, and a short distance from the descending waters to 
the Atlantic, and about 120 miles to the descending waters to the Mississippi, 
must render it a place of great importance." It was certainly starling well and 
steadily increased in size and importance, and when the act of Legislature creat- 
ino- Tompkins County was passed April 17, 1817, Ithaca was designated as the 
county seat. This act contained a provision that in case of failure to convey a 
site for the county buildings to the supervisors, and the securing of $7,000 to be 
paid, the new county was to be re annexed to the counties of Cayuga and Seneca 
from whence it was taken. The citizens of Tompkins manifested a lively interest 
in the matter, the provisions in the enactment were complied with and in 1S18 a 
wooden structure was erected and ready for occupancy as a court house and jail 
on the site occupied by the present court house on East Mill street. 

In 1820 Ithaca contained a population of 859 persons, and on the second 
day of April, 1821, was incorporated as a village — just seventeen days after the 
town of Ithaca was formed from Ulysses. Ol these 859 people, 5 were foreigners, 
not naturalized: 10 were engaged in agriculture; 10 in commerce, and 143 in 
manufactures, including mechanics of every description. The formation of a 
new town to be called by its name was in appreciation of the growth and prom- 
ising future of the village, which was just at this time being favored with an im- 
portant addition to its transportation facilities— a steamboat "to ply from one 
end to the other of Cayuga Lake." The Cayuga Steamboat Company had been 
organized in 1819, and on March 18, 1820, the keel of the "Enterprise" was laid, 
and on the 4th of May following the finished vessel was launched midst the 
huzzas ol the people and the firing of cannon. She was 80 by 30 feet over all 
and of 120 tons burden, with an engine of 24 horse-power, her machinery being 
made in Jersey City and brought to Ithaca by teams. The Journal of June 7,1820, 
made the foUwing announcement : "The Enterprise is connected with the line 



of stages from Newburgh to Buffalo, and thus furnishes to travellers from New 
York, and others going west, one of the most expeditious and pleasant routes in 
the State. The stage runs from Newburgh to this village in two days. Thus 
travellers may leave New York at 5 o'clock p. m. in the steamboat; the second 
day arrive at Ithaca; go on board the steamboat 'Enterprise' the same night; re- 
ceive good accommodations and rest in comfortable births during the passage; 
resume the stage next morning at Cayuga bridge, and the same night arrive at 
Buffalo; making the whole route in three days! — one day sooner than it is performed 
by way of Albany." 

Although these transportation facilities are now considered insignificant, 
they then attracted considerable attention and trade to Ithaca, and the possi- 
bilities thus presented of more rapid advancement with greater facilities doubt- 
less promoted the project of a railway to Owego. The Ithaca and Owego rail- 
road was incorporated January 28, 1828, and it was opened in April, 1834. The 
road was 29 miles long and had two "inclined planes'' ascending from Ithaca, the 
first, 1733 feet long, with a rise of one foot in 4 28100 feet, making a total rise 
of 405 feet, and the second or upper, 2225 feet long, with a rise of one foot in 
every twenty-one feet. "The old style fiat or strap rail was used throughout 
and for six years horse power was emplo)'ed exclusively, the steeper plane be- 
ing overcome by stationary power in the form of a huge windlass housed at the 
summit and worked also by horses — generally blind."* 

In the meantime other steamboats had made their appearance upon the lake 
and great progress was making by the village— but the following bit of contem- 
poraneous history, condensed from Solomon Southwick's statements respecting 
the trades, manufactures, &c., of Ithaca, as he found them in 1834, will give the 
best idea of its progress: "Newspapers — The Journal, by Nathan Randall; 
Chronicle, by D. D. and A. Spencer ; Jeffersonian and Toinpkins Times, by 
Charles Robbins. Bookstores, 2 ; dry goods merchants, 23 ; hardware 2 ;''jewel- 
ers, 3 ; druggists, 3 ; grocers, 16 ; millinery establishments, 5. Of mechanical 
establishments, embracing all classes, there were 36, in which were employed 
289 people." The principal manufacturers apart from the "mechanical establish- 
ments" just named, were "Mack, Andrus »& Woodruff's paper mill employing 
30 hands- this firm's printing office, book bindery and book store employ 23 
hands ; J. S. Beebe's Olympic Falls Flouring Mill, conducted by Ezra Cornell • 
J. S. Beebe's Plaster Mill — turned out 800 tons of plaster last year ; Lucas Lev- 
insworth's Machine Shop, employing 12 hands — manufactures pails, tubs, keelers, 
&c. ; Barnaby & Hedges' Chair Factory in the machine shop building — makes 
200 chairs yearly ; Dennis & Vail's Ithaca Furnace— an extensive establishment- 
makes mill gearing and other castings and has been in operation six years ; 
there is another furnace near this, owned by H. King, which melts 75 tons of 
iron yearly ; Silas Mead's plow manufactory — makes about 200 plows yearly ; 
S. J. Blythe's Woolen Factory — this factory dresses from 500 to 700 pieces of 
cloth and cards about 14,000 pounds of wool annually ; John Raymond's Wool- 

* The road was sold at auction by the Comptroller, May 20, 1842; bought by the "Cayui^a and 
Susquehanna Kailroad Co." and sold by them in 1849 to New York parties who rebuilt it laying heavy 
iron as far as the "upper switch" station in December of that year and in the spring following extending 
the road to the pier at the head of the lake, descending the hill by a circuitous route, as now. In 1855 it 
was leased to the D., JL. & W. R. R. Co., who have since operated it. 



en Factory — does business in kind and amount similar to Mr. Blythe's ; Cook 
& Conrad's Ithaca Iron Foundry and Steam Engine Works — business nearly the 
same as that of Dennis & Vail, and turns out a large amount of work ; Factory 
of Hardy & Rich, manufacturers of saw mill dogs — this dog is a patented article 
and sells at $150 a set — total business $7,500 annually — lumber sawed with this 
dog brought 50 cents extra per 1000 feet." 

From this statement it will be inferred that Ithaca was an embryo city from 
which much was hoped. Indeed, it gave indications of such a rapid growth that 
"the year 1836 was a period of wild speculation. Land increased fabulously in 
price ; whole farms were laid out in city lots and scarce an acre within two miles 
of the village was purchasable for tillage. Banking institutions, railroads and 
canals multiplied in brains and upon charts with astonishing facility. Several of 
the first were formally organized, but never proceeded to business. The Journal 
of July in that year reports that a sale of sundry water-powers at Fall Creek 
brought at auction $220,000 ; and further says, 'a parcel of the DeWitt estate, 
which was purchased last December for $4,676, sold at auction on the 6th for $52,- 
929. A farm adjoining the village, which was purchased last summer for $50 per 
acre, has recently been sold for $500 per acre, and the purchaser has been offered 
and declined an advance on his purchase.' There was but one ending possible 
to this — the foamy period of Ithaca's history. A short time served to blow the 
froth from many a supposed full glass, and reveal the very small bier at the 
bottom." 

But it was not without some reason that these bright anticipations and the 
consequent speculation was indulged in. With its railroad and steamboat lines 
Ithaca became the central shipping point for all this region, business of all kinds 
flourished and enterprising men were investing their money freely in everj^ enter- 
prise that promised success. The tide was taken at its flood, but did not lead on 
to the great sisterhood of cities, however, and Ithaca settled down to a steady, 
healthful growth. 

In 1858 the population of the toivn ol Ithaca was 7,153, which had only in- 
creased in 1866 to 7,264. Recovering from the effects of the "foamy period", the 
village became somewhat conservative and grew slowly, but its growth was mark- 
ed by a substantiality that was more desirable. The opening of the Ithaca and 
Athens Railroad * and the Ithaca and Cortland Railroad f in 1871, the Geneva 
and Ithaca Railroad in 1873 and the Cayuga Lake Railroad % in 1874, affording the 
most desirable transportation facilities, gave it another slight impetus and it again 
began to move forward, as is shown by a population in 1880 of 11,896 in the 
town. 

From a village with the appearance of having a "mushroom" growth it be- 
came characterized by its appearance of solidity and wealth ; handsome residences, 
substantial business blocks and fine streets were its features, and Ithaca assumed 

* The Ithaca and Athens Railroad and the Geneva and Ithaca Railroad were consolidated in 1874 and 
were purchased by the Lehigh Valley K. R. Co., and are now known as the Geneva, Ithaca & Sayre Railroad. 

t The Ithaca and Cortland Railroad was consolidated in 1S71 with the Utica, Horseheads & Elmira 
Railroad and became the Utica, Ithaca & Elmira Railroad. 

X The Cayuga Lake Railroad runs along the east side of the Lake ; it was purchased in 1876 by the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. 



the garb of a typical and, it might be said, a model University town. During the 
past few years an era of prosperity seems to have set in, its older manufactories 
have received new life, new ones have been established, every branch of business 
became more prosperous — Ithaca to-day is in the most thriving condition, and its 
future is probably brighter than at any period during its history. 

ITS CHURCHES. 

There are fifteen churches in Ithaca, in which worship eight religious denom- 
inations — Presbyterian, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Congregational, Episcopal, 
Methodist, Free Methodist and Unitarian. The Presbyterian Church was organ- 
ized in 1804, the first church was built in 1818, and the present edifice in DeWitt 
Park in 1853. The first Methodist services were held in 1793, the first church 
built in 1820 and the edifice now occupied at the corner of Aurora and Mill 
streets in 1866. The second Methodist church was organized in 1851 from the 
parent society and in the same year a wooden structure was built on the corner 
of Seneca and Plain streets; the edifice now occupied at the corner of State and 
Albany streets was erected in 1878. St. John's Episcopal Church was organized 
in 1822. the first church built in' 1824, and the edifice now occupied at the corner 
of Seneca and Cayuga streets erected in i860. St. Paul's Episcopal^Church was 
organized in 1874 ; services are held in the University Chapel. Episcopal ser- 
vices are also held in Christ Chapel, on ClifT street. The first Baptist society. 
(Park Baptist Church) was organized in 1826, the first church built in 1831 and 
the edifice now occupied on the east side of DeWitt Park erected in 1854. The 
Tabernacle Baptist Church was organized in 1870 ; they have a small house of 
worship on Railroad avenue, near Tioga street. The first Congregational Church 
was organized as a Dutch Reformed Church in 1830 and an edifice erected in 
1830-31 ; in 1S72 the church became a congregational society and a handsome new 
church is now building on the old site at the corner of Seneca and Geneva streets. 
The Church of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic) was organized in 
1834, the first church was built in 1851 with the title of St. Luke's, and the edifice 
now occupied at the corner of Seneca and Geneva streets, erected in i860; this 
parish is now building a parochial school building on West BuflFalo street, at a 
cost of $12,000, to be taught by the "Sisters of St. Joseph." The African M. E. 
Zion Church was organized in 1833 and subsequently built a modest church on 
Wheat street which they still occupy. The Wesleyan (colored) M. E. Church 
is an offshoot from the preceding and was organized in 1851 ; their Church stands 
on North Albany street. The first Unitarian Society was organized in 1865 and 
their church on the north side of BuflTalo street, near Aurora, was erected in 1873. 
The Free Methodist Society was organized in 1871 ; their church stands on 
North Tioga street, near Farm. The Union Church of Fall Creek was organized 
in 1877 and has a small edifice on North Aurora, near Tompkins street. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

In educational facilities Ithaca presents advantages that are equalled by 
few localities in this country, the courses of study being complete, in continuity 



and thoroughness, from the time of entering the primaries until graduation at 
Cornell University. 

As early as 1796 that portion of the town of Ulysses which became Ithaca 
was represented in the management of the existing schools by Robert McDow 
ell, Benjamin Pelton and William VanOrman— early settlers — as is shown by 
the town records, but when or where the first school house was erected is not 
known. In 1825 an academy was opened in the present high school building 
which was conducted with more or less success until 1875, but the only free 
schools in the village during this period, after the abandonment of 
the 'old Lancasterian school at Geneva and Mill streets in 1854, were 
one large school (now the Central School) in which all grades were 
taught, and a branch primary school. In 1874 an act of Legislature 
authorized the establishment of a Union School District with a com- 
plete graded school system under the control of a Board of Education 
consisting of twelve members. Under authority of this act a new school 
building was erected on West Hill and two temporary schools opened on East 
and South Hills in 1874, and in September, 1S75, a high school was organized in 
the old academy building, which had been tran>;ferred to the Board of Education 
for that purpose. And from this beginning the movement continued onward and 
upward until Ithaca's public school s)'Stem was regarded as being without a su- 
perior in the State. In 1879 a large new building was erected at Fall Creek ; in 
1880 the Central School building was remodelled, in 1881 a new building was 
erected on East Hill and now a new high school building is to be erected during 
the coming year, on the old site, at a cost of $50,000. There are now six school 
buildings, in which are employed 34 teachers, and the whole number of pupils 
registered in all the schools during 1882-3 was 2,020, an increase of 74 over the 
preceding year. The rank of the High School in the apportionment of the Litera- 
ture Fund in 1882 was thirteenth, which means that but 12 schools in the State 
received more from that fund on account of instruction of academic pupils, 
while there were 210 that received less. The courses of study in the schools, as 
previously stated, is most complete, from the entrance into the primaries untii 
graduation from the High School, when students are prepared to enter the 
University. 

ITS NEWSPAPERS. 

journ.ilism in Ithaca is far in advance of "village" journalism in general, and 
in the yourtral. Democrat and Ithacan the "Forest City" possesses able champions 
of its interests and highly creditable representatives of the modern "press". The 
Ithaca youitia I V/2.S established nearly two years before the county of Tompkins 
was formed, and has not only kept pace with its progress, but, if anything, in ad 
vance of it, and is now a more representative newspaper than many of great pre- 
tensions issuing from the larger cities. Its first issue was made on Independence 
Day, 1815, as the Seneca Republican, a weekly newspaper, by Jonathan Ingersoll. 
Early in the year following its name was changed to the American yournal, and 
was purchased by Ebenezer Mack and Searing, who early in 1823 changed the 
title to Ithaca Journal. From this time until December, 1833, it was published 



\-\VAKCk K>\^ V'^S R^SOVi^C^S. 



5^ 



by Mr. Mack and his different business partners. In 1827 the title was the Ithaca 
Journal, Literary Gazette and General Advertiser ; about one year later a portion of 




this name was dropped, and it became the Ithaca Jourrial and Advocate. In 1833 
it was sold to Nathan Randall ; in 1837, Randall sold to Mattison & Barnaby. and 
in 1839 A. E. Barnaby sold to Alfred Wells, who soon after sold to J. H. Selkreg, 



who from that time until February, 1S77, continued its publication. The Journal 
has merged into itself many rival publications — the Jeffejsonian and Tompkins 
Times, in 1837 ; the Flag of Our Utnon, in 1849, and in 1870 the Ithacan being in- 
cluded in the number. After many unavailing efforts to start a daily paper in 
Ithaca and make it live, the Daily yournal made its debut on the first da}^ of July, 
1872. It risked the large membership fee and the heavy weekly dues necessary 
to secure connection with the Associated Press ; large investments in fast running 
presses, type and other material and paraphernalia ; and the salaries of an in- 
creased force of writers and compositors required by such an undertaking. The 
previous several attempts had whetted the public appetite and prepared the waj' 
for this effort, and although not a profitable venture in its earlier years, owing to 
the considerable expenditures necessarily incurred in its establishment, it has grad- 
ually but constantl}' gained in public appreciation and patronage, until it has al- 
ready become more than self sustaining ; one of the most important institutions 
of the county, with a prospect of great prosperity and usefulness. In February, 
1877, the business of the daily and weekl)' yournals, with the large job printing 
and other incidental departments, had attained such proportions that an increase 
of capital and division of labor became imperative. A stock company was ac- 
cordingly formed under the general laws of the Slate and incorporated as the 
"Ithaca Journal Association." Of this organization John H. Selkreg is President ; 
Charles M. Benjamin, Vice President ; and George E. Priest, Secretar}' and 
Treasurer. The contrast between the hand press on which the earlier Journal 
wai^ laboriously worked and the rapid steam cylinder presses it now employs af- 
fords no greater idea of the march of improvement than the primitive third floor 
office — sanctum, composing and press room, all in one — of 1815 compared with 
the stately JotirnalhXocV erected in 1872, with its elegant appointments and every 
convenience. In its long career the Journal has never been neutral in politics, 
but for the greater time strongly partisan. Originally Democratic, it continued 
so until 1856, when the slavery question becoming the paramount issue, it be- 
came Republican, and has ever since espoused the best interests of that part)% 
wielding no small influence in the county and State. 

The Ithaca Democrat was established in 1820 by D. D. Spencer under the 
title of the Ithaca Chronicle. In 1828 Anson Spencer became associated with him 
in its publication, and it was continued by them until 1833, when Anson Spencer 
became sole proprietor and published it until 1855, when it passed into the 
hands of A. E. Barnaby & Co., who issued it as the American Citizen. It subse- 
quently came into the possession of Anson Spencer, who published it until 1863, 
when it was consolidated with the Tompkins County Democrat. This paper dated 
its existence from 1S56, when it was started by Timothy Maloney and continued 
by him until his death in i860. In 1861 S. C. Clisbe became its owner, but soon 
after sold a half interest to B. R. Williams, and these gentlemen issued it until 
its consolidation with the American Citizen. The consolidated papers were issu- 
ed by Spencer & Williams as the Ithaca Citizen and Democrat until July 4th, 1867, 
when it was enlarged and the name changed to the Ithaca Democrat. Mr. Spencer 
succeeded to the sole ownership and remained its editor and proprietor until 
December ist, 1873, when Ward Gregory became associated with him in its pub- 



lication and assumed editorial charge in 1874. Upon the death of Mr. Spencer 
in 1876 Mr. Gregory became sole owner of the Democrat. He thoroughly renovat- 
ed the printing establishment and by energy and perseverance, placed the office 
upon a paying basis. It is the only Democratic paper in Tompkins county and 
justly merits its success. 

The Weekly Ithacan -wdiS established at Dr)'den, in May, 1856, byH. D. Rum- 
sey, under the name of Rumseys Companion. It was soon after changed to the 
Fireside Companion, and again in a month, to the Dryden N'ews. In 1857 it was 
purchased by G. B. House, and the title changed to the New York Confederacy, 
and soon after discontinued. In July, 1858, Ashael Clapp resuscitated the paper 
as the Diyden Weekly News, which he continued to publish at Dryden, several 
times enlarging and otherwise improving it, until April, 1871, when in company 
with Messrs. Norton and Cunningham, the paper with the half ot its entire sub- 
scription list, was removed to Ithaca, and here issued as the Weekly Ithacan and 
Dryden A^ews. In six months this partnership was dissolved, Mr. Clapp resum- 
ing the entire control. In June, 1874, the paper was sold to George Ketchum, 
but he failed to make a success of its management and the office was closed by 
the Sheriff. After some delay, the right of ownership reverted to Mr. Clapp, 
who held a mortgage on the paper, and by dint of enterprise and industry he 
restored the paper to its former standing, and largely increased its circulation. 
The Ithacan is a large eight-page paper, and its prosperous condition is very 
gratifying to Mr. Clapp, and the friends of the causes which he advocates— temp- 
erance and "greenbackism.'' 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS IND GROUNDS. 

The Cornell Free Library occupies a fine three-story brick building on the 
corner of Seneca and Tioga streets, and contains over 11,000 volumes which, 
with a few necessary exceptions, circulate free within the limits of Tompkins 
County. The institution owes its existence to the public spirit and munificence 
of the late Hon. Ezra Cornell, and very appropriately bears his name. The Cor- 
nell Library Association was incorporated April 5, 1864, and under this act Mr. 
Cornell caused to be erected the building which was dedicated with appropria- 
ate ceremonies on the evening of December 20, 1866, and with the ground upon 
which it stands presented to the village. It is 68x104 feet in dimensions and 
cost $75,000. Besides the library and reading room, the building contains a fine 
hall for public exercises and other excellent rooms for business purposes, whose 
rental was designed to sustain the library free of cost to patrons. It has more 
than accomplished this purpose, the receipts proving sufficient to pay expenses 
and add yearly many volumes to the library. 

The other public buildings worthy of note are the court-house and jail, on 
East Mill street, erected respectively in the years 1855 and 1850; Wilgus Opera 
House, corner of State and Tioga streets, erected in 1869 by H. L. Wilgus at a 
cost of $60,000, and the Post-Office, on East State above Cayuga street. 

The cemetery, covering 16 acres of the hill slope on the north side of the Cas- 
cadilla, with its natural advantages in the variety of its surface, its native growth 
of trees and commanding views, is an oject of admiration to visitors. 



^2 nWKCN KH^ \AS ^tSOVi^C^S. 

There are several very pretty little parks scattered throughout the village, 
chief among which are DeWitt and Washington Parks, both near the centre of 
the town. The large grounds of the Tompkins County Agricultural Society, on 
which successful fairs and cattle shows are annually held, are situated in the 
southern extremity of the village. 

LOCIL GOVERNMENT. 

The village is divided into four wards, and is governed by a President and 
Board of Trustees, composed of two members from each ward. An efBcient 
force of four sturdy policemen, under command of a chief, are the guardians of 
the peace. 

Property is amply protected against fire by an excellent fire department, com- 
posed of eight companies — three steamers, three hose companies, one hook and 
ladder company and an organization known as protective police, (composed 
principally of the best known business men) whose duty it is to take charge of 
and protect property removed from burning buildings. 

¥1TER IND GIS. 

An abundant supply of water is furnished by the Ithaca Water Works, a pri- 
vate corporation. The water is drawn from Buttermilk Creek at a point two 
miles south, the stream being 215 feet above the business portion ol the village. 
Three reservoirs of immense capacity are employed, one being located at the point 
on the stream mentioned, a second, for storage purposes, a half mile above, and the 
third on South Hill, which in connection with the first named is used for distrib 
uting purposes. From these two reservoirs the water enters iron mains and un- 
der a pressure ol 90 pounds to the square inch is carried to all parts of the village. 
For fire purposes hydrants are located at convenient points, from which strong 
streams can be thrown over the highest building. 

Gas is supplied by the same corporation. 

ITS FICILITIES AND RESOURCES. 

Exceptional facilties are possessed by Ithaca for the successful conduct of 
almost every branch of manufacturing or mercantile business. Four railways and 
a steamboat line afford the most desirable transportation facilities : The south- 
ern outlets are the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company, oper- 
ating the railway between Ithaca and Owego, where connections are made with 
the main line of this company and the Erie Railroad both East and West, and the 
Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre Railroad, operated by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Com- 
pany, and connecting at Sayre with the main line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, 
the competition between these lines to and from New York being highly benefi- 
cial. An outlet north is had by the Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre Railroad connect- 
ing at Geneva with the Auburn branch of the New York Central Railroad, and 
at Lyons with the main line of the New York Central; by the Cayuga Lake Rail- 
road, connecting at Cayuga, with the Auburn branch of the same road, and the 
Cayuga Lake Steamboat Line, with the same last named connections, while all 
these lines have a lively competitor in the Utica, Ithaca and Elmira Railroad, 



which connects at Elmirawlth the Erie, and at Canastota with the West Shore 
and New York Central Railroads. The Erie Canal is also made accessible by 
Cayuga Lake, being intersected at Cayuga, and a considerable portion of the 
heavier freights — grain and coal — is carried over the Lake to this canal. Three 
banks — the First National, Tompkins County National and the Ithaca Savings 
Bank — afford unexceptionable banking facilities and the telegraph, telephone, * 
mail and express service is most complete. Its hotels are really excellent — in 
fact, Ithaca possesses nearly all the advantages of a city without many of the 
disadvantages incident thereto, and may fairly be characterized as an equally 
desirable location for business or pleasure. But that it is not simply a "Univer- 
sity town" or dependent solely upon its attractiveness of location and scenery 
for notice will be admitted by the visitor if the trouble is taken to inspect the 
piano and organ, the calendar clock, the autophone and the glass factories, the 
gun works, the agricultural implement manufactories and other industrial estab- 
lishments that are giving it a name and a place among the manufacturing towns 
of Central New York, whose products are attaining a national reputation. And 
for the benefit of those that cannot, brief historical and descriptive sketches 
of its resourses — of the leading manufacturing and mercantile establishments — 
will be presented, with the belief that to many they will prove interesting, and to 
those for whom they have no interest, I can only say : "Beg pardon for their 
introduction, but to the village of Ithaca these establishments are of more 
vital import than all its magnificent scenery, and therefore must have equal 
representation." 

THE FOREST CITY MIXED PlINT WORKS. 

Of all the manufacturing interests in Ithaca, none are more fully entitled to 
recognition in this work than the Forest City Mixed Paint Works. Although 
established but a couple of years, and giving employment to fewer workmen, 
probably, than some of the other industries, the benefits the village must event- 
ually derive from this industry, the superior character of the products of which 
will undoubtedly cause it to grow and become one of the large labor-employing 
concerns, are such that it is not only worthy a prominent position in Ithaca and 
ITS Resources, but deserving the fullest support and encouragement of residents 
of the " Forest City.'' And it is seldom, too, in these days, when the cities and 
towns of the East and West are vieing with each other in their efforts to secure 
the location of manufacturing enterprises in their midst, that a manufacturer with 
both capital and ability settles in a locality without receiving some valuable con- 
sideration as an inducement, without any other expectation than that solely by 
the merit of his products is he to benefit by adding his quota to the resources, the 
wealth, prosperity and industrial reputation of a place. 

That a prejudice against ready-mixed paint exists — fostered principally by 
painters for obvious reasons — there is no denying, but this prejudice is rapidly 
being overcome, just as has been overcome theprejudices that from time immem- 
orial have obstructed the progress of labor-saving inventions and other innova- 
tions that have proven a boon to mankind. True, it is sometimes not without 



* See sketch entitled "Ithaca Telephone Service." 



reason this prejudice exists, for in this .is in all other branches of business there 
are persons who care not for reputation and produce and sell great quantities of 
an article at an immense profit until the people discover its worthlessness, when 
they abandon its manufacture and engage in some other scheme for deluding the 
public. But when a responsible manufacturer places an article upon the market 
which he guarantees to be as represented, prejudices so formed should not be 
allowed to prevent its trial, especially when there is every reason to believe such 
trial will prove beneficial. 

And it is now generally admitted that ready-mixed paints, when produced 
by responsible manufacturers, are far superior and more preferable to paints 
mixed in the old way just as required. This favorable feeling is doubtless largely 
owing to the fact that people are becoming more generally acquainted with the 
process of manufacturing these paints, and when this process is fully understood 
they readily perceive why ready-mixed paints can be sold cheaper than they can 
buy the material and mix it themselves, and are in other respects more preferable. 
The Forest City Mixed Paint Works, at the corner of State and Meadow 
streets, possess facilities for the production of these paints that are unsurpassed 
by any manufacturer in the country. The building occupied is a three-story frame 
structure, 66 x 75 feet in dimensions, and is thoroughly equipped with the most 
improved machinery and conveniently arranged according to the advanced ideas 
of the proprietor, Mr. J. W. Tibbetts, the motive power for driving the machinery 
being furnished by an engine of ten-horse power. The material is carried on ele- 
vators and the oil pumped to the third storj', where the lumps are crushed and 
the proper quantities of oil and other material weighed out and by an ingenious 
arrangement conducted to the mixing tanks on the second floor. Rapidly turn- 
ing agitators in these tanks thoroughly mix the material until it has assumed the 
character of ordinary paint, when it is permitted to run into the mills for grind- 
ing. One of these mills is connected with each tank and the grinding is conduc- 
ted in the most systematic and economical manner, as, indeed, is the whole pro- 
cess. When ground the paint is ready for use, possessing the proper consistency 
and being entirel}' devoid of sediment, and is sent down to the first floor, where 
it is put up in packages for sale and shipment. Thus it will be seen that large 
quantities of paint can be thoroughly mixed and ground at a slight cost, com- 
paratively, while the advantages of having the material mixed and ground under 
the superintendence of a specialist are obvious. Forest City Mixed Paints are 
manufactured under Mr. Tibbetts' personal supervision from pure white lead and 
oxide of zinc, ground in pure linseed oil. The raw material is first quality, pur- 
chased direct from the mines, and the oil is the purest linseed that is boiled. 
And as an earnest of his assertions as to the purity of his mixed paints, Mr. Tib- 
bett's has frequently been heard to oifer a forfeit of a thousand dollars for any 
adulteration discovered in the material used in the manufacture of Forest City 
Mixed Paints. 

Thirty-two distinct colors are manufactured at the Forest City Mixed Paint 
Works, and as an illustration of the popularity and reputation they are acquiring 
it might be mentioned that C. E. Clark, architect of the National Capitol, at 
Washington, D. C, gives these paints the preference over those of all other 
Oianufacturers. Forest City Mixed Paint is not only unchangeable in color, 



economical and durable, but is superior on account of its body and wearing pro- 
perties, and as this fact becomes more full)' known the demand for it must still 
more largely increase and this industry become of still more value to the business 
interests of Ithaca. 

Mr. Tibbetts' spent his boyhood's days in Ithaca, and when the war of the 
rebellion burst upon the country, went out as a volunteer with Colonel Baker's 
First California Regiment, and just in time, too, to take part in the first battle of 
Bull Run. At the end of his two year's service, he again enlisted, this time with 
the logth New York Regiment, and thus spent four years in the service of his 
country, being promoted from the ranks to the captaincy of a company. Coming 
home at the close of the war, and feeling the need of a business education, he 
entered a Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, and after a course of study there 
engaged in the mercantile business at Pond Eddy, N. Y. Here he remained 
about eight years, meeting with success in his business ventures and marrying an 
estimable lady. Having become prosperous, and the father of a couple bright 
children, a few years ago he disposed of his business in Pond Eddy, and removed 
to his old home in Ithaca to give his children the advantages of the society and 
education it so fully confers. He then purchased an interest in the Superior 
Paint Company of Havana, N. Y., and becoming familiar with the manufacture 
of mixed paints and discovering that he possessed a special aptitude for the busi- 
ness, after a couple years bought out his partners and removed the business in 
1880 to Ithaca, believing that by the production of a superior article it could be 
developed into a large industry. Purchasing the property at the corner of State 
and Meadow streets, he razed to the ground the old building formerly standing 
there, and erected the fine factory he now occupies. The business has about 
doubled with each succeeding year, but he has expended a large amount of mon- 
ej' in bringing the merits of Forest City Mixed Paint to the notice of the public, 
and it has not as j^et had time to full3' return. But it will, and the prediction is 
ventured that the decided merit and superiority of his paint will in a short lime 
make the Forest Cit}' Paint Works one of the largest industries of the kind in 
the countr}'. Mr. Tibbetts, is a liberal and enterprising as well as far seeing and 
shrewd business man and deserving the great success in this business which must 
eventuall}' be his, and which should be the reward of every man who resolutely 
determines to produce the best article of the kind manufactured or nothing. 

THE ITHICI CALENDIR CLOCK COMPINY. 

An industry that has done much to make the name of Ithaca known throughout 
the world is the manufacture of calendar clocks, an article now acknowledged to be 
indispensable to every place of business — a necessitj' in every office, in every 
household- And it is with justifiable pride that this industry can be spoken of. 
for not only is here produced the only perfectly reliable calendar clock manu- 
factured, but these clocks have made their way into all parts of the world, spread- 
ing the name and the fame of the "Forest City" in nearly every habitable part of 
the globe. Much skill and ingenuity have been expended in bringing to a state 
of perfection the mechanism producing such wonderful results, and the Ithaca 
Calendar Clock, indicating perpetually the day of the month, the month of the 
5'ear, the hour of the da}' and the day of the week, is really one of the wonders of 



^e) 



nV\KC^ K^^ US ^^SOViRCtS. 



the progress and development of the Nineteenth Century. It is accomplished by 
a perpetual mechanical calendar of the most ingenious construction, connected 
with superior eight and thirty day (either weight or spring) clock movements. 
The calendars are printed in the English, Spanish, Portugese, French, German, Rus- 
sian, Turkish and Asiatic languages, and the clocks are manufactured in numer- 
ous styles, ranging widely in prices to suit the various wants of the public. They 
are the only calendar clocks that received a certificate of award at the Internation- 
al Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876, at Sydney in 1879, and at Melbourne in 
iSSo. 




The first calendar carried by clock machinery in America was invent- 
ed by J. H. Hawes, of Ithaca, and was patented in 1853. 
This calendar was imperfect, as it would not make the change of the 
29th of February, in leap year. In 1854 W. H. Akins invented an improve- 
ment on this calendar, automatic in its operations, readjusting itself to show all 
the changes, including the 29th of February. This calendar was purchased by 



nUKCk NHD nS H^SOVi^CLS. 



?>1 



Huntington & Platts and placed by them in the hands of the Mix Brothers, of 
Ithaca, for manufacture. Still further improvements were made by the Mix 
Brothers, lor which patents were granted in i860 and 1862, and the Messrs. Hunt- 
ington & Platts continued to manufacture large bank calendar clocks for a year 
or two, and then disposed of their patents^ to the Seth Thomas Clock Company 
of Connecticut. During 1864-5 Mr. Horton.of Ithaca, invented a new and almost 
perfect perpetual calendar, and in April, 1865, obtained'his first patent, in eight 
distiiict claims. This calendar, subsequently improved and made absolutely per- 
fect, is the one owned and used] only by the IthacaXalendar Clock Company, 




and which has given them virtually a monopoly of the calendar clock business 
of the world. 

Horton interested several gentlemen in his invention and in August, of 1868, 
the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company was formed for the purpose of producing 
calendar clocks under his patents, the officers of the compaiiy being John H. 
Selkreg, President ; Samuel P. Sherwood, Vice President, and William J. Storms, 



e>6 nw^ci^ N^^ ns R^sovi^GLS. 

Secretary and Treasurer. The capital of the company was only $800, and opera- 
tions were begun on a ver}' modest scale in a single room located directly oppo- 
site Treman Bros, shop on Cayuga street. The clocks possessing both merit 
and novelty met with a large sale and in a short time this single room had become 
entirely inadequate for the business. About 1869 J. B. Williams fitted up his 
three story brick building on State street for the company, into which they re- 
moved and continued the manufacture of the calendar clocks on a much larger 
scale, the capacity after the removal being about twenty times greater. Here the)' 
remained until 1874, when Messrs. Selkreg and Sherwood were succeeded by 
Messrs. B. G. Jayne and Hervey Platts as President and Vice President, respec- 
tively, the capital of the company was increased to $150,000, and large three story 
brick buildings were erected on the old Tompkins County FairGrounds, at Adams, 
Auburn, Dey and Franklin streets. These buildings formed a hollow square, 
100x130 feet in dimensions and here again the capacity was largely increased. 
An immense number of calendar clocks were annually produced and placed upon 
the market, and it was apparently thought the production could not be too great. 
In February, 1876, the works were destroyed by fire. They were immediate!}- re- 
built, however, but in the fall of 1877 Charles H. White succeeded Mr. Storms as 
Secretary and Treasurer, and H. M. Durphy was given the superintendence and 
general management of the concern and the more conservative and wise conduct 
of its aflairs that has since characterized its management has proven decidedly' 
profitable. At the election of officers in January, 1883, Messrs. F. C. Cornell. 
Francis M. Finch and Charles H. White were respectively chosen to fill the offices 
of President, Vice President and Secretary and Treasurer, and the Ithaca Calen- 
dar Clock Company is probably now in the most highly prosperous conditionit 
has ever been. About 6,000 calendar clocks are annuallj'- produced, which, selling 
at prices ranging from $10 to $75 each, bring into Ithaca a large aggregate amount 
of money, and as a force of about 34 people are employed, chiefly the more skill- 
ed mechanics, the industry is of great value to the place. 

The works of this company occupying the square bounded by Adams, Au- 
burn, Dey and Franklin streets, present to the visitor an interesting exhibit of 
some of the most ingenious special machinery ever invented. As previously 
stated, the buildings are three story brick structures arranged in the form of a hol- 
low square part of them, however, being now occupied by the Autophone Corn- 
pan)-. A 75-horse power boiler furnishes steam for healing purposes, as also sup- 
plying the 50-horse power engine driving the machinery, and the entire plant, in 
its completeness and convenience, is a characteristic sample of American enter- 
prise. One of the interestingfeatures is an electric arrangement for detectingany 
failure on the part of the watchman to discharge faithfully his duties, and another, 
the machine invented for the purpose of testing the workings of the calendars, 
and by which they are run through all the changes of eight years of time before 
leaving the factory, none being shipped until they have passed this test and been 
proven in all respects accurate and reliable. All of the machinery, however, is 
specially adapted to the peculiar needs of this industry, and embraces every 
known labor-saving device for the production of the mechanism of the clocks as 
well as the handsome cases enclosing them. And in this connection it might be 



mentioned that the engine and much of the machinery were designed and built by 
Mr. Durphy, the superintendent, before he had any idea of being connected with 
the concern, and for the substantial work then done he now has reason to congrat- 
ulate himself. 

Forty dilferent styles and combinations ar? made by the Ithaca Calendar Clock 
Company, and it is not an unusual proceeding to make a clock to suit some 
special room in any wood or design that may be desired. Fourteen special cal- 
endar clocks ivere last year made for the State Capitol at Albanj-^ and the univer- 
sal satisfaction given is proverbial. The New York office of the company is with 
the Waterbury Clock Company, at No. 4, Cortlandt street, and transactions with 
either this or the home office are attended with the most satisfactory results. And 
with the facilities possessed by the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company and a repu- 
tation extending from one end of the civilized world to the other, there need not 
any fear be expressed that competitors will outstrip them in the race for patron- 
age, or Ithaca fail to receive continued benefits Irom the industry that has added 
so largely to its industrial reputation. 

MSRSH & HSLL. 

The establishment of which Messrs. John O. Marsh and Edwin M. Hall 
are the proprietors justly ranks as the foremost retail house in Tompkins county, 
and in some important respects it equals, if not excels, some of the largest stores 
in any of the neighboring cities. The fine business of which these gentlemen 
are to-day the fortunate possessors has been built up in the course of twelve 
years, entirely through the energy and mercantile sagacity of the present mem- 
bers of the firm. In 1871 Mr. Marsh, who had for a long term of years been en- 
gaged in trade in the near by village of McLean, in connection with his brother, 
D. B. Marsh, sold his interests there and removed to Ithaca. Mr. Hall entered 
the co-partnership with Mr. Marsh, with a business experience of seven years 
one of which was passed in the employ of the former firm of J. W. & J.Quigg.and 
six with Granger & Co, Marsh & Hall began the dry-goods business in the hand- 
some store at 53 East State street A fine trade was ere long established, and the 
business success of the new firm became an assured fact. In 1S77 through the fail- 
ure of the firm occupjMUg the spacious store in the Wilgus Block at the corner 
of Tioga and State streets it became vacant. Several firms in succession had failed 
while occupying this store, and when Marsh & Hall announced their intention of 
removing their growing business to the more commodious quarters in the Wilgus 
Block, the wisdom of the proposed change was generally questioned by their 
many friends. However the change was made and the result has verified the 
soundness of judgment of the enterprising gentlemen, who scouting all thoughts 
of disaster, boldly enlarged their lines as favorable opportunity was presented. 
Their trade has been enlarged in six years to upwards of four times the dimen- 
sions it had attained in the store at first occupied. The value of the stock car- 
ried is now about $75,000 and the sales for the current year will exceed $150,000. 

The business of this important firm occupies the first floor and basement of 
the Wilgus Block, the Simensions of each floor being 100x46 feet ; a portion of 
the basement of the adjoining store is also made use of. The main floor consists 



10 \-\HNCK KU^ \1S HLSOViRGtS. 

of two divisions, the east one being devoted to the dry goods, clothing and fancy- 
goods and notion stock, and the west division, to a complete line of groceries, 
provisions, crockery, and glass ware. 

The line of fine silks, and other rich dress goods carried is very large and 
varied. It is worthy of notice in passing that the sale of silks this year, has been 
the largest ever enjo)'ed by the firm, although they have made a specialty of silks 
for some years. The custom clothing department is an important one, a 
very large stock of suitings and overcoat cloths being carried. The feature of 
the business, however, in which Marsh & Hall easily outrank all other houses in 
this section of the State is in their carpet stock. The whole of the extensive floor 
age of the basement is devoted to this stock, which has frequentlj' reached the 
value of from $25,000 to $28,000. It is a positive fact that one cannot find else 
where in this State, a place the size of Ithaca, in which so large, complete and 
varied a stock of carpets is kept as at this store, and it is said by well informed 
persons, that even the fine neighboring cities of Elmira, ' Binghamton and Au- 
burn do not contain a store carrying a carpet stock equal to that of Marsh & 
Hall. This is an interesting and instructive item in the consideration of the 
mercantile resources of this village. 

The several departments of this admirable store are in the charge of experi- 
enced, capable men, who are assisted by a corps of courteous and obliging sales- 
men. There are fifteen men employed in the several departments of the store. 
The existence here of this large, splendidly stocked, and finely conducted store, 
is a decided credit to this village, and the fact that it is prosperous, and its trade 
increasing yearly is an evidence of the large business capacity of its proprietors, 
as well as of the ability to properly appreciate mercantile enterprise and worth 
on the part of the residents of this village and the surrounding farming districts. 

C. J. RUMSEY 8c CO. 

One of the largest and most prosperous establishments conducted by a firm 
of young men in Ithaca is that of C. J. Rumsey & Co., situated at 68 East State 
street. For upwards of fifty years this store has been continuously occupied for 
the sale of hardware. Prior to that time a frame building stood upon the site of 
the present building in which a small theatre was conducted by the Atwaters. 
This building was destroyed by fire in 1832 or 1833. Then a brick building was 
erected on the site and was opened as a hardware store. This was conducted for 
years by the late George B. McCormick,and Jacob McCormick. Afterwards the 
store was managed by E. G. Pelton, who in 1858 sold the business to the late 
John Rumsey. By him it was conducted with large profit and success for thirty 
years. It is said that by a fortunate purchase of nails and spikes in large quan- 
tities just previous to the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Rumsey in 
consequence of the great increase in the price of iron during the following year 
realized from their sale, and his trade for the year in general, the sum of $30,000. 
This was the beginning of his subsequent ver}' successful business career. In 
1876, Charles J. Rumsey who had for a number of years been in the employ of 
John Rumsey, became a part owner of the business, the firm becoming John 
Rumsey & Co. In 1878 John Rumsey withdrew entirely from the business, and 



a copartnership was formed by C. J. Rumsey, Edwin Jillett, and Edgar M. 
Finch, under the style of C. J. Rumsey & Co. Mr. Finch wtthdrew from the 
firm a year later, and Messrs. Rumsey & Jillett have since continued the busi- 
ness under the same firm name. The large business which had been done in the 
earlier days of John Rumsey's sole proprietorship had somewhat depreciated 
toward the end of his mercantile career. The falling off in trade at this old and 
favorably known stand has been much more than made good however by the 
vigorous young firm now conducting it. The volume of trade for the current 
j'ear will far exceed that of any previous year in the history of the store, when 
the fact is remembered that the prices now prevailing are very much lower than 
in former years. 

The stock carried is an extensive and varied one, the large three story and 
basement building being filled to its entire capacity and part of a second build- 
ing fronting on Tioga Street is also used. In addition to a full supply of stoves 
and ranges in all the principal leading styles, and general hardware, the firm 
deal extensively in fine pocket cutlery, carpenter's tools, bird cages, blacksmith's 
supplies, and sash, doors and blinds. There is a large tin shop connected with 
the store, where tinware of all kinds is manufactured, and in this department 
are several experienced roofers. Rumsey & Co. are agents for this section of 
the famous Hazard powder, a magazine where a large supply of powder is kept 
on hand having been erected by them a few years ago. In the several departments 
of the business twelve men are employed. Their fine prizes of "Happy Thought'' 
ranges, given for the last two 3'ears to the handsomest child under two years of 
age shown at the fair of the Tompkins County Agricultural Society, have stron-J-- 
ly attested the public spirit and enterprise of the firm, and the baby shows thus 
brought about have been among the leading features of the fairs. The confi- 
dence and esteem in which Mr. Rumsey is held by his fellow citizens 
was given public expression by his election last season to the 
Presidency of the village, an office whose complex duties he succeeds in 
discharging most acceptably to citizens generally without regard to their politi- 
cal affiliations. The members of this firm believe fully in the principle of letting 
the outside world know what they are doing and their fine and yearly increasing 
trade proves most clearly the wisdom of their course. They are also satisfied 
that what Ithaca needs most from a commercial point of view is the ecourage- 
ment of a movement for the enlargement of the manufacturing interests of the 
place, having sufficient business sagacity to plainly foresee that any increase of 
those interests will be necessarily accompanied by a corresponding growth and 
enlargement of the established mercantile trade of the place. Should this libe- 
ral sentiment fortunately continue to develop through the encouragement of 
President Rumsey and other equally progressive citizens, the future commercial 
importance of Ithaca may with good reason be expected to very considerably 
increase. 

J. C. STOWELL & SON. 

That Ithaca is fortunate in possessing a number of well-stocked and admira- 
bly managed retail groceries is a fact which has not unfrequently been alluded to 
in the public prints, but that there is also in existence here a wholesale grocery 



11 \1V\KGK kn\i nS PvLSOViRCtS. 

and provision store on an important scale and equal in many respects to large 
city establishments of a similar character is not so generally understood. A 
glance through the excellently appointed and fully slocked wholesale grocery and 
provision house of Messrs. J. C. Stowell & Son, on West State street, would con- 
vince the most skeptical of the truth of this statement. The fine business now 
transacted by this reliable and enterprising firm has had a growth extending through 
a long term of years. Its large increase during the last ten years, however, which 
has brought it into the front rank of the important commercial enterprises of this 
place, has in a large degree been made possible b)- the excellent transportation 
facilities and reduced rates, which have resulted from the admirable and popular 
conduct, by the Lehigh Valley Company, of its railroad reaching this village. 
In 1835 Tohn C. Stowell, then a young man only 18 years of age came to this vil- 
lage from Groton, in this county, and entered the employ of Miles Finch, propri- 
etor of a general merchandise store. Five years later by close attention to busi- 
ness and the strictest integrity he had so won the esteem of his employer that he 
was taken in as an equal partner, the firm becoming Finch & Stowell. The busi- 
ness prospered and after twelve years passed exclusively into the hands of the 
junior member of the firm. A little later S. P. Sherwood became associated with 
Mr. Stowell and the firm of Stowell & Sherwood continued until 1864. The gen- 
eral merchandise business was conducted by Mr. Stowell until 1872, when it was 
sold to H. L. Wilgus. Mr. Stowell, associating with himself, his son, Calvin D. 
Stowell. who was then a recent graduate of Yale, began a wholesale grocery and 
produce business in the old brick store adjoining his fine new block, which had 
previously been occupied by J. H. Hintermister for the manufacture of organs. 
In 1875 the business had prospered so well that the building occupied was found 
to be far too small. Then in connection with C. M. Titus, the Messrs. Stowell 
built the large, fine block, known as the Titus & Stowell block, which now orna- 
ments West State street. In 1876 the new store was taken possession of, in ad- 
dition to the former quarters, by Stowell & Son. The new store is a model of 
neatness and perfect fitness for the purposes to which it was designed. It consists 
of a large roomy basement, and four upper floors, 85x35 feet, all connected both 
by stairways and a large and admirably operating passenger and freight elevator, 
of the Reedy patent 

In all the attributes of a first-class wholesale grocery, provision and retail- 
er's supply house, the establishment of Messrs. Stowell & Son, is not surpassed 
in this section of the State. They are constantly adding to their reputation and 
mercantile importance through a system of strict reliability, and fair dealing. 
Mr. Stowell, in addition to his large commercial connections, is a director of 
the First National Bank, and was one of the incorporators. The important busi- 
ness which the Messrs. Stowell have succeeded by industry, enterprise and hon- 
est dealing in building up, will doubtless continue to grow, bringing credit to the 
place in which it is located, and further financial prosperity to the worthy pro- 
prietors. 

HENRY BOOL. 

A little more than ten years ago, while the splendid Cornell mansion which 
now graces East Hill was still in an unfinished condition, among the artisans em- 



ployed there was a certain 30ung Englishman, a carpenter and joiner who was 
working on "short hours". After spending a few months here the idea occurred 
to him to take up as a source of additional revenue the work of canvassing for 
subscribers for the New York weekly newspapers, viz: The Independent dind the 
Golden Age. He seemed to possess peculiar qualifications for the work and much 
success attended his efforts in this direction. One evening while talking earnest- 
ly with a well-known merchant on State street in regard to subscribing for one of 
the above mentioned papers, ex-President Sisson, who was standing near and 
had overheard the conversation, turned to the young man, saying : "You ought 
to drop the jack plane altogether and make a steady business of canvassing.'' 
The advice conveyed in these words was shortl}- followed, and thereafter for a 
year or more, the quondam carpenter and joiner pushed vigorously his canvassing. 
From early morn until long after sundown he journeyed about, extending his 
travels into surrounding towns and villages and to the remotest borders of the 
county. The knowledge acquired in these visits to the homes of the well-to-do 
people of the county was to be in the future of great service to the young man, 
and the means saved from his year's work at canvassing, fortunately invested, 
formed the basis of much prosperity in years to come. The reader is asked to 
imagine a period of ten years gone by. A fine three story building comes to 
view. Through its beautiful plate glass front may be seen a profusion of rich and 
varied wares ; up and down the spacious store move the many customers, and 
courteous salesmen and ladies are supplying their wants, or showing them about 
the establishmfnt, which from basement to roof is literally packed with goods. 
New goods are being received, purchased wares sent out for delivery, busy sounds 
come from the large work shops at the rear, and moving quietly about directing the 
whole machinery of this, the largest and best stocked art, furniture and variety 
goods store in this section of the State, is a plainly dressed, hard-worked appear- 
ing man. This is the proprietor of the splendid place of business that has been 
briefly described. From the humblest beginnings this magnificent result has been 
achieved in the short space of ten years, and solely through the unfailing indus- 
try, frugality, business sagacity and enterprise of one man. For the quondam 
carpenter and joiner, who has been described as the persevering canvasser, of ten 
years ago, is none other than the successful merchant of to day, Henry Bool. 
But a more detailed description of Mr. Bool's establishment and of its growth 
from so small a start to its present large proportions will be found interesting. 
As a canvasser in 1S73 for subscribers to the Independent ^nd Golden As^e, Mr. Bool 
was often requested by his customers to have framed for them the premium pic- 
tures which the publishers of those newspapers were in the habit of sending out. 
It soon occurred to him that it would be profitable for him to make these frames 
himself. So he got small quarters in the Krum building, over what was then Uri 
Clark's jewelry store, now Sugarman's clothing store. Here for a year or more 
he worked in a small way. framing the pictures for subscribers, and gradually 
getting together a small stock of frames and pictures. In 1874 he bought the pic- 
tures, frames and fine art goods of Wood & Priest, who had several months pre- 
viously begun business in the store under the Ithaca Hotel. Bool then removed 
to quarters over Miss Ackley's news and stationery store, then in the franae building 



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adjoining the Countj' Clerk's odice on Tioga street. In this place he remained 
for two years, his business constantly growing, until it became necessary to find 
more room elsewhere. In the spring of 1S75 he removed to the store in the Pum- 
pelly Block, now occupied by R. A. Heggie. His stock was greatly added to and 
after a year or two a new departure in the line of house furnishing goods was 
made. The business still continued to prosper although wiseacres shook their 
heads, and remarked that Bool was a hard worker and ought to succeed, but he 
was trying to grow too fast and disaster was sure to follow. He kept on persist- 
ently, however, tiding storms which threatened severelj^ at times. The floor im- 
mediately over his store was soon secured, then successively the third floors of a 
number of adjoining buildings were found to be necessary, and still the growth 
did not cease. Finally about two years ago the ground floor of the Culver Block 
having become vacant, Mr. Bool, through the aidvice and encouragement of Mr. 
Geo. E. Priest, of the Jotimai, and by virtue as well of his own progressive and 
pushing spirit, concluded to make a still bolder move and take possession of that 
large store. He was openly laughed at by some business men for his presump- 
tion in daring to go into such a big store. One facetious person wanted to know 
if he would not plant a potato patch in one corner of the store to help fill it up. 
Mr. Bool nothing daunted made the change — and thanks to his vim and enterprise 
the venture has proved a wise one. From occupj'ing the first floor and basement, he 
has come to be sole occupant of the block, which is 147 feet deep, 37 feet wide and 
possessed of three stories and basement. He also occupies what was known 
formerly as the "store house". This is a two story and basement building facing 
on South Tioga street. It is 70x33 feet, and connects at the rear with the main 
building which fronts on State street. The area ol his fioorage is upwards of 35,- 



ooo square feet. The store presents a very attractive appearance with its beauti- 
ful full length plate glass windows, in which frequently changing and most elabo- 
rate displays of rich furniture, tapestry and household furnishing goods are made. 
The business carried on is very extensive and embraces a wide range of goods 
both in regard to cost and use. Here may be found elegant paintings and en- 
gravings, as well as art and artists' goods of all kinds, an extensive stock of fur- 
niture from the cheapest to the most expensive, wall paper, stationery, toys, crock- 
ery, glass ware, etc., etc. The manufacture of picture frames, window shades, 
and upholstered goods is carried on extensively. Thirteen men are employed in 
this department. In the store proper are twelve employes, making a total of 
twenty five employes at Mr. Bool's establishment. The value of the goods in 
stock is not less than $50,000. The average daily sales have constantly increased 
during the occupancy of the new store, and their aggregate for the current year 
will reach a very large sum. The business growth of Mr. Bool has been unpar- 
alleled in the history of commercial enterprises in this place, and he has the sat- 
isfaction of knowing that he has compelled success through hard work, enterprise 
and business sagacity. 

HAWKINS, TODD & CO. 

The oldest of the leading dry goods houses, the establishment of Hawkins, 
Todd & Co., at No 22 East State street, is deserving of more than a passing 
mention in Ithaca and its Resources. Thirty-one years ago N. S. Hawkins, 
then quite a young boy, came from Cayuga County to Ithaca to clerk in the store 
of Avery, Wood worth & Co.. at the time (1852) one of the largest stores in the 
village. He was an industrious young man and a good salesman, and when in 
1861 a reorganization of the firm occurred he became one of the partners. The 
new firm of Morrison, Hawkins & Co. abandoned the sale of groceries, which 
formerly comprised a portion of the stock, and confined themselves to dry goods 
exclusively. They were very successful, and continued the business until 1S69, 
when the firm was again reorganized under the title of Hawkins, Finch & Co. 
This firm continued with like success, and a couple of years ago prepared to 
close out, having acquired a competency and desiring rest. Mr. Finch did retire, 
but in compliance with the wishes of the two young men, Messrs. L. G. Todd 
and J. J. Rounseville.who were negotiating for the purchase of the business, Mr. 
Hawkins concluded to remain "in harness,'' and in the spring of 1883 the old 
house again changed name, the title becoming, this time, Hawkins. Todd & 
Co. Messrs. Todd and Rounseville had for ten years previously been the lead- 
ing salesmen in the house of Marsh & Hall, and were both very popular, possess- 
ing a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Consequently when they enter- 
ed this house in connection with Mr. Hawkins, who had been found in this same 
storeroom nearly every day from the time he entered it as a boy thirty-one years 
ago, the business took a sudden jump and began to increase rapidly. How this 
combination of enterprising young men with the head of so old and well estab- 
lished an house works may be inferred from the statement that the business has 
increased fully 100 per cent, since the firm of Hawkins, Todd & Co. was organ- 
ized. A new life has been infused into it, and the stock of British, French, Ger- 



1^ av^^c^ kuq \is r^sou^cls 

man and American Fancy and Staple Dry Goods which had been allowed to 
run down in anticipation of closing out, has not only been newly filled in but 
largely added to, and a larger or more elegant stock of these goods cannot now 
be found in Ithaca. A new departure made by the firm since its reorganization, 
and one that is appreciated by their customers, is merchant tailoring. A full 
line of cloths has always been carried, but in compliance with the request of a 
large number of Messrs. Todd and Rounseville's friends the firm undertook to 
"make up" these cloths, and the consequence is that a first class cutter and seve- 
ral men and women are now given employment in this branch of the business. 
And it might here be parenthetically mentioned that Ithaca and Oswego are the 
only places known where the dry goods and merchant tailoring business are com- 
bined, but it is claimed that Hawkins Todd & Co. make gentlemen's clothing to 
order at one third less than suits of the same quality and workmanship cost in 
New York. Their large storeroom, 20 feet wide and 90 feet deep.in which seven 
people are constantly employed, is a representative mercantile establishment, 
and there can be no doubt but that the success which has marked the beginning 
of Hawkins, Todd & Go's, career as a firm will prove to have been only a har- 
binger of greater successes to come, and which will eclipse all previous efforts 
made to please and attract the public in this old and well known storeroom. 

ITHICI MINUFICTURING WORKS. 

As a centre for both manufacture and commerce Ithaca certainly presents 
advantages that cannot be ignored by those seeking a suitable or desirable loca- 
tion for almost any branch of business, and the establishment of new enterprises 
in greater number within the past few 3'ears is evidence that this fact is becom- 
ing recognized. Indeed, the extent and diversity of its manufacturing and com- 
cial interests, as shown in these pages, will doubtless surprise many residents 
of the village. A new era of prosperity seems to have set in. The success of 
the newer industries has been uniformly satisfactory, while the older industries, 
and those whose earlier years were fraught with much labor and little profit — 
with failure to realize the sanguine expectations of the promoters of the enter- 
prise, have apparently begun an era of prosperity that is no more pleasing to 
their stockholders or owners than to the citizens at large, who see in their ad- 
vancement and prosperity a corresponding increase in the advancement and 
prosperity of Ithaca. Among the latter class may be mentioned the Ithaca Man- 
ufacturing Works, and the fact that the capital employed in this concern is own- 
ed away from home, makes no less saiisfactor}' the later success of this estab- 
lishment, which under the name of Ithaca Agricultural Works, after a season of 
apparent prosperity, followed by failure and foreclosure, was succeeded by the 
Ithaca Manufacturing Works, has become a prosperous institution and is now 
profitably conducted. The Ithaca Agricultural Works were established on a 
small scale in 1867 for the manufacture of agricultural implements, principally 
a patent hay rake and a seeder, and so much confidence was felt in their merits 
that a company was formed and incorporated under this title to increase manu- 
facturing and extend the business. The business did increase rapidly. Within 
four years a cluster of buildings on the bluff on the south side of Fall Creek had 



been erected, large numbers of these agricultural implements were annually pro- 
duced and the compan}' was apparentl}' in the most prosperous condition. But 
the plan adopted in putting the product of the works on the market was not a 
proper one. and although apparently prosperous the works were constantly losing 
money. A natural culmination of this state of affairs was failure — the mortgages 
on the property were foreclosed and in 1S79 the Ithaca Agricultural Works ceased 
to do business. The establishment was bought in by Mr. J. W. Hollenback, a 
wealthy coal land owner of WilkesBarre, Pa , and the holder of the mortgages. 
He sent an experienced man of business, Mr. J. E. Patterson, also of Wilkes- 
Barre, here to take charge of the works and continue the business. The title 
was now changed to the Ithaca Manufacturing Works, a new S3-stem was inaugu- 
rated and this industry has finally become a paying institution. The business 
has increased about 25 per cent each year since 1880 and the prospects are de- 
cidedly favorable for a steady prosperous business henceforth. Since October, 
iSSi, the works have been managed by Messrs. P. H Pursel and J. A. Morti- 
more, but Mr. Pursel has lately been entrusted with the sole management of the 
concern and there need be no fear that the future of the industr_v will be any the 
less bright for being placed in his hands. Indeed, the Ithaca Manufacturing 
Works, with proper management could not fail to prove successful, for in loca- 
tion, facilities, &c., they possess every requisite to success. The location on 
Fall Creek bluff, with the great water power furnished by Ithaca Fall dam, is an 
exceptionally good one, while the buildings and plant are equal to the demands of 
a much greater production. The office and wareroom, No. 51 Lake street, occu- 
pjf a two-stor)- brick structure, 30.X100 feet in dimensions ; the paint shop is a 
two story frame building, 30x60 feet ; the wood-working department is also a 
two story frame building, 42x65 feet ; the blacksmith shop is 28x30 feet ; and 
the foundry, which is across Tunnel Creek, and connected with the other build- 
ings by a bridge 117 feet in length, is 30x60 feet in dimensions. These build- 
ings, as well as a number of smaller ones and sheds, are all connected by a 
system of narrow-gauge railway, and are thoroughly equipped with every neces- 
sary tool and labor-saving invention for facilitating the rapid production of the 
specialities manufactured — the Leader Hay Rake and the Improved Tompkins 
County Cultivator. A working force of from 20 to 30 people are employed and 
about 2,000 rakes and 2,000 culttvators are now produced annually. The trade 
is largely in this State, but the demand for the rakes and cultivators also extends 
throuuhout the entire United States. Both the Leader Hay Rake and the Tomp- 
kins County Cultivator are acknowledged as being the most improved imple- 
ments for their respective purposes manufactured, and the patents are owned by 
the Ithaca Manufacturing Works. It is said that no testimonials are required to 
sell them, their points of superiority being recognized by everj' intelligent farm- 
er, and consequently there is little likelihood of the industry becoming of less, 
but every probability of its becoming of still greater value to Ithaca. The pres- 
ent manager, Mr. P. H. Pursel, has been connected with the works in various ca- 
pacities since Mr. Hollenback took possession in 1S79, and is well-fitted for the 
position both by the reason of the experience thus gained and his previous busi- 
ness experience. He is a native of Columbia County, Pa., but for a number of 



1ft \■\\^^G^ nu\) \is R^soviRCts. 

years before coming to Ithaca was a trusted employe of the Miners' Savings 
Bank and other prominent establisments in WilkesBarre, Pa., and it is confi- 
dently asserted that under his management the Ithaca Manufacturing Works 
will not only retain the position it has so lately gained, but advance still farther 
and ultimately become what it was so fondly hoped in its earlier years it would 
become — one of the largest industries in Ithaca. 

URI CLSRK. 

The name which heads this sketch is that of one of the successful self-made 
business men of Ithaca. Thirty-one years ago, as a young boy Uri Clark entered 
the old established jewelry store of Joseph Burritt, to learn the trade. As an ap- 
prentice and expert jeweler the young man remained in Mr. Burritt's employ for 
twelve years. In 1864 he became a part owner in the business under the firm 
name of Burritt, Clark & Co. A year later he disposed of his interest in the 
business to enter the service of Uncle Sam, as first lieutenant of Co. L. of the 
58th N. Y. S. V. The war fortunately coming to a close three months later, his 
company came back from Elmira where it had been stationed. Then he again en- 
tered the jewelry bnsiness and has since uninterruptedly pursued it with large 
success. From a store on East State street, which Mr. Clark opened on return- 
ing from Elmira, in 1867, he removed to the Krum building at the corner of State 
and Tioga streets. At this stand, where he remained for thirteen }'ears, Mr. Clark 
was successful in building up a very large trade. During these successful and 
prosperous years Mr. Clark gave to his work the closest and most unremitting at- 
tention, and was repaid by large commercial prosperity. In 1880 he purchased 
and greatly improved the building at 36 East State street. The store was hand- 
somely remodeled, provided with a fine plate glass front, and marble floor, and in 
all respects admirably appointed for the purpose of a jewelery store. Since Mr. 
Clark's occupancy of his present handsome store he has not, it is true, given 
to business his whole time and energies as was the case in earlier years. 
Relaxation from the incessant cares and wearing work of former )'ears have been 
obtained in the pleasure of yachting and residence on the shores of the beautiful 
lake near at hand. Mr. Clark having several years ago purchased a fine steam 
yacht, and caused to be erected on the west shore of Cayuga, a charming summer 
cottage. But nevertheless under his experienced personal supervision, his store 
has continued to enjoy its high standing, and a fair proportion of the best class of 
patronage. Mr. Clark is known as one of the most expert lapidaries in the trade 
in this portion of the State, and in his cases are to be found many beautiful and 
costly gems in rare and attractive settings. A large line of optical goods is kept 
on hand, and glasses are selected for all kinds of impaired vision with the utmost 
care and precision. In addition to a full and complete line of goods properly be- 
longing to the business, Mr. Clark's store contains a splendid stock of sporting 
goods, including fine rifles, shot guns, shells and reloading apparatus, ammuni- 
tion, game bags, fine fishing rods, tackle, flies and all articles of the kind. Along 
with his success in business matters, Mr. Clark has also gained a reputation lor 
uprightness and integrity which is known to all. He has been the firm friend of 
all movements looking to the commercial improvement of the place, the increas- 
ing of its educational advantages, and upholding of the good order and moral 



well being of the communit}'. As explaining a title by which Mr. Clark is gen- 
erally known to his friends and neighbors, it ma}' be said that while connected 
with the recently disbanded 50th Battalion, he was made a Colonel on the staif of 
General Blood, commanding the 28th Brigade. To conclude this little sketch it 
is only fitting to say that the career of Col. Clark, who is in the very prime of life, 
with business success attained and enjoying in a high degree the respect and good 
will of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen, forms a striking illustration of the oft 
quoted and much doubted, yet still perfectly true, saying, that industry and hon- 
esty will surely bring success. 

ITHICS GUN WORKS. 

A new industry just started, and one which must prove of the greatest value 
to Ithaca, is the manufacture of breech-loading shotguns for sportsmen. The 
fact that between 170,000 and 20o,oooguns are annuail}' imported into the United 
States is of itself sufficient reason wh}' such an industry should be started with 
bright hopes of success, but when that industry begins by producino- a <^un in 
every way the equal of the best sportsmen's fowling-piece manufactured, and at 
one-third less the cost, then hopes of success turn into certainty of success. And 
such may be said to be the prospects of the Ithaca Gun Works, which have just 
been put in operation. The price of a Parker and other first class breech-load, 
ing shot guns has alwa3's been an insurmountable objection to their purchase 
by a great number of sportsmen. As a gunsmith and inventor of high ability 
W. H. Baker attained a wide reputation a few years since for the invention of 
the now celebrated Baker double and three barrel guns. While engaged in per- 
fecting this gun he conceived the idea of producing a gun which, while possess- 
ing the very best shooting qualities, and being the equal in every respect of the 
Parker and other choice guns, from the simplicity of its mechanism could be 
manufactured and sold at much less than could other guns of the same quality 
He worked on this idea until he had perfected a gun that not only convinced 
him of the correctness of his original ideas, but that it could command a large 
share of the patronage now going to importers of the guns made in Europe as 
well as occupy the same position in the eyes of sportsmen as the Parker, while 
it could be sold at one-third less. Messrs. D. Mclntyre and J. E. VanNatta of 
Ithaca, were then interested in this new invention, and as a result the gun was 
patented and last February a copartnership was formed between Messrs. Baker 
Mclntyre and VanNatta to manufacture under the title of the Ithaca Gun Works 
Early in the present year the property at Fall Creek lately occupied by the bend- 
ing works was purchased and during the entire summer work has been progress- 
ing on the special machinery required to make the plant complete. The buildings 
being properly fitted up, manufacturing was lately begun and the Ithaca Gun 
Works now have a plant with a capacity for producing ten guns per day. In se- 
curing this location for their works they have been very fortunate. The power 
furnished by Fall Creek is sufficient for a factory three times as large, and as 
they own both the sixth and seventh water privileges on the creek, the former af- 
fording 40 and the latter 60-horse power, they are prepared for any emergency. 
The main building of the works is 40x50 feet in dimensions, two stories, with an 
L 30x40 feet. There are also a forge shop 20x30 feet, and other necessary build- 



ings. Both the main building and forge shop are equipped with the most im- 
proved tools, and most of the machinery in the works is of a special character 
and has been made on the premises. With this new and complete plant the Ith- 
aca Gun Works are enabled to produce a gun that must take the same place in 
sportsmen's favor as the Parker; and at the same time cost about one-third less. 
The "Ithaca" gun, for that is the name of the new invention, contains all the 
standard points called for in a gun of the first qualit}-, such as the Stop Lever Ac- 
tion, Rebounding Lock, Low Hammers, and Patent Compensating Fore-end, 
but there are less than half the parts in its mechanism than are usually employ- 
ed to produce the same results. These few parts are all contained in the breech- 
piece, which is one solid piece of wrought iron, and all the parts, too, are made 
perfectly interchangeable. The simplicity of construction is a feature that will 
be appreciated by every sportsmen, while the stj-le and finish of the "Ithaca" 
gun is equal to the Parker, Colt,Peiper or any other first-class gun — in fact, it is 
claimed to be the simplest and best gun manufactured in the world. Being an 
entirely new model, and possessing^points of merit that are readily perceived by 
the sportsman or gundealer, and withal being sold at one-third the price charged 
for other first-class guns, great popularity may be anticipated for the new "Itha- 
ca." Mr. W. H. Baker, the inventor, personally superintends their manufacture, 
and his large experience as a gunsmith and reputation as an inventor, will be a 
sufficient guarantee of the quality and workmanship that may be expected. Both 
the other members of the firm, Messrs. D. Mclntyre and J. E. VanNatta, are 
practical men and inventors in their lines of business, and the management of 
the new concern will doubtless be characterized by a wise policy that will make 
their auspicious beginning only a forerunner of the great success to follow. 

THE WEST END DRUG STORE. 

A host of interesting associations and recollections cluster around the record 
of this, the oldest existing drug house in Ithaca, and, in fact, with but a single 
exception, the earliest established drug business in the community. As nearly as 
can be ascertained the first drug business established here was that of Mr. Mil- 
ler, who had a small store on the site of the present Sprague Block. This busi- 
ness was begun very early in the century. In the employ of Mr. Miller was B. 
S. Halsey, now living and over eighty years of age. Mr. Halsey was the found- 
er of the West End Drug Store. The building at 6 East State street, which 
continually for 51 years has been occupied for a drug store, was built about 1822 
by Horace Mack, and occupied by him until 1832 as a dry goods store. It was 
then taken possession of by B.S.Halse}' and fitted up as a drug store. During the 
more than half a century since the business was established by Mr. Halsey, it 
has had a career full of incident and change. It has passed successively through 
the hands of eleven firms and individual owners. Sometimes the volume of 
trade enjoyed was large, and at others it was much reduced, but in spite 
of all the vicissitudes of its extended histor)% it has attained a vigorous and hon- 
ourable old age. Following Mr. Halsey, in the order of their proprietorship came 
Dr. Webster, P. C. Schuyler, G. W. Schuyler, Dr. A. H. Monell. William Mo- 
nell, Monell & Lawrence, J. Y. Lawrence, Tolfree & Mandeville, W. S. Mande 
rille, H.I. Smith, and lastly the present owners, Haskin & Todd. Although the busi- 



ness of the West End Drug Store has been at times in the hands of very capable 
and enterprising men, as will appear from the names which have been mention- 
ed, and by some of them has been made the source of much business promi- 
nence and commercial prosperity, still it has perhaps become better known, and 
is accorded a more extensive patronage under its present proprietors than at any 
previous period of its long career. Something over two j'ears ago, the business 
was purchased of H. I. Smith by Hiram L. Haskin and Judson B. Todd. Both 
of these young men entered upon the business with a practical knowledge of it, 
acquired in the employment of a well-known drug firm of this village. Added to 
their practical acquaintance with the business, they possessed unusual energy, 
sagacity and a strong determination to win success. Their efforts have met with 
generous appreciation at the hands of the public, and to-day the West End drug 
store occupies a leading position not only in its especial line in this county, but 
ranks well up among the most successful retail business enterprises generally of 
this vicinity. During the two years' proprietorship of Messrs. Haskin & Todd, 
the stock has been very largely added to, and improved, the exterior and interior 
of the building have been materially altered for the better, and the firm has won 
a host of friends by its liberality and enterprise, as well as an enviable reputation 
for thorough reliability, and sound commercial credit, both at home and among 
wholesale dealers and manufacturers. For two years Haskin & Todd alone, of the 
several drug firms of Ithaca, made very fine displaysat the large fair of the Coun 
ty Agricultural Society, their exhibit at the fair this season xproving by far one 
of the most attractive features of Floral Hall, and arousing the warm admiration 
of the thousands visiting the exhibition. 

The store is a very attractive one. containing a large and expensive soda- 
fountain, unusually large and handsome show cases, and fine fittings generally. 
With an excellent stand, a large and varied stock, a %vide and rapidly growing 
business acquaintance and personal popularitj', possessing ample means, un- 
doubted credit, and an unswerving determination to retain and augment their 
fine trade by close attention to the wants of the public, and equal promptness in 
measures to meet them, and last, but not at all least, a full knowledge of the 
efficacy of the value of printer's ink properly applied, the young proprietors of 
the West End Drug Store can confidently look forward to a successful business 
career. 

JICKSON & BUSH. 

Within the last five years a great change has taken place in the dry goods trade 
in Ithaca. Previous to 1878 it was customary for the ladies desiring the finer 
qualities of dress goods to go to the larger cities to make their selections. Now 
there are to be found here as fine lines of these goods as can be purchased any- 
where. What has worked this revolution, do you ask? Competition, forced by 
example. Five years ago a new firm came into Ithaca. They secured one of the 
finest store rooms in the place and opened a stock of the finer qualities of goods. 
Not only this, but the system of strictly one price was adopted and particular at- 
tention was paid to the comfort and convenience of their customers. As a result 
their store became the centre of attraction for lady shoppers, and their competi- 
tors were forced to sort up their stocks and also carry a finer line of goods. And 



5,2 UUkCk P^UD \TS ^LSOViHCtS. 

the)^ and their customers have been benefited thereby. The firm that may be 
credited with bringing about this desirable change is Jackson & Bush, whose 
handsome store-room, at No 53 East State street, is the favorite shopping place of 
the ladies in Tompkins County. With ten years' experience as a firm in the dry 
goods trade at Niagara Falls, they came to Ithaca in 1S78, and immediately took 
the lead in their particular branch of business. They forced a competition from 
which the people derived the greatest benefit, and their reward has been in accord 
with their merits. Twice have they been compelled to enlarge their store, and 
their business has fully tripled in these five years. Now thej* have the largest 
and finest dry goods salesroom in the village, and one too that would do credit 
to the largest cities. It is 25 feet wide and 120 feet deep, with high ceiling, and 
well lighted by side windows and skylights. The room is heated by steam fur- 
nished by a self-regulating boiler situated in the basement, and everything that 
can add to the comfort and convenience of the patrons has been furnished. Par- 
ticularly is this noticeable in the arrangement of the rear portion of the store, 
which has been tastily carpeted and fitted up for the displa}' of silks and ladies 
wraps, a specialty of the house. A ladies' toiU 1 room is among the other conven- 
iences that are here noticeable. The stock is jndiciousl)' arranged in departments ; 
here notions, there domestic dry goods ; foreign dress goods of the finest quality, 
ladies' furnishings, gents' lurnishings, ladies' wraps, etc., all having their particu- 
lar place and presenting as fine a displa}^ as one would expect to see in the ba- 
zaars of the East, of which such attractive descriptions have been written. The 
entire basement is occupied for the storage of duplicate stock, and the visitor is 
impressed with the fact that henceforth it is unnecessary to make expensive trips 
to distant cities for the purpose of purchasing the finer qualities of goods. As in 
the other dry goods houses, here, too, the making of gentlemen's clothing to or- 
der is one of the specialties and it may well be said that a more elegant stock of 
suitings and trimmings cannot be found in any store in the State. And as of 
gentlemen's suitings, so it may be said of ladies' wear- from the cheapest to the 
very finest qualities of goods manufactured are presented for the inspection and 
selection of the visitor. Ten people are employed in the house, and in securing 
their assistants the firm have been extremely fortunate — in securing people who 
take so great an interest in the success of their house and who are so successful- 
in pleasing the patrons of the establishment. In a word, here is a model dry 
goods store and one which cannot be otherwise than successful. Jackson & Bush 
have proven their ability to conduct profitably a first class establishment in this 
place, and their success has been the means of conferring many benefits upon the 
residents of Ithaca and this vicinity. 

THE CLINTON HOUSE. 

The most popular hotel in Ithaca, the Clinton House has a history which, 
could it be fully presented, would prove one of the most interesting parts of this 
little book. The building was erected between the years 1828 and 1831, but it 
still remains — with its massive columns supporting the broad porticos, the propor- 
tioned rise of the whole building, the belvidere crowning all — the most imposing 
and dignified building in all this beautiful plain. It was built by Henry Ackley, 



^\^^c^ t^n^i us hlsov^^c^s. 



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ill 



Pgli 
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111 I if III''' 




Henry Hibbard and J. S. Beebe, and originally cost only $22,000— the builder of 
to day, however, would look with scorn upon an offer to erect such a building for 
this sum. In 1862 many internal and a few external modifications were made, but 
the reputation of the house has never changed. From its opening day down to the 
present time it has enjoyed the repute ol being one of the best first-class hotels 
in the Stale. "The record of the house includes statesmen and jurists and the 
travelers of celebrity who have traversed the regions of Cayuga. From the ven- 
erable Surve)'or-General DeWitt (the friend and correspondent of Washington), 
who watched its building with so much hope of its success, its register has been 
graced by thousands of names, good and true, not the least interesting page in 
which is that which records the signatures of the principal diplomats accredited 
to our government who in 1863 accompanied Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State, 
on a tour through this country.'' This was in the long ago, but the time interven- 
ing has only been a repetition of the stor}'. Hotel-keeping has been the main 
occupation of the life of its proprietor — Sewall D. Thompson — and the thirty- 
three years he has presided over the Clinton House have served to establish his 
reputation as a model "Boniface". He was born in the town of Hubbardston, 
Mass., in 1809 and embarked in this avocation at the age of twenty-three by keep- 
ing a hotel at Athol, Mass., which he continued until 1837. After a brief stay in 
New York City he then came to Ithaca in the spring of 1S38, and leased the Ithaca 
Hotel, which he managed until the fall of 1846. He then spent four years in 
mercantile pursuits in New York City and in 1850 returned to Ithaca and leased 
the Clinton House tor a term of fifteen years, before the expiration of which, how- 
ever, he purchased of Miss Beebe, a daughter of J. S. Beebe, one of the three 



owners, a third interest in the hotel property. In 1864 Ezra Cornell purchased 
the remaining two-thirds, and thorough repairs were then made, the hotel being 
closed for a year while the alterations and improvements were in progress. In 
1865 the house was again opened under Mr. Thompson's management and con- 
ducted with great success ever since. He subsequently became sole owner, and 
his management of this hotel alone now counts up thirtj'-three years. He is one 
of the oldest hotel-keepers in the country, being now in his seventy-fourth year, 
but he is still hale and hearty and more active than most men at fifty. Mr. Thomp 
son is now ably assisted in the management by his adopted son, Sewall D. Thomp- 
son, Jr., and it is not at all likely that the characteristics of the Clinton House — 
its home- like, comfortable qualities and the excellence of its cuisine — will ever be 
lost, for it is probable that it will remain under the control of a Thompson for 
many 3-ears to come, and that will be a sufBcient guarantee of its general excel- 
lence and character. 

H. Y. BOSTWICK. 

The extensive cooperage business of Hermon V. Bostwick, whose works 
are located on Clinton street, a short distance east of Cayuga street, is the only 
concern of its kind in Ithaca. The business was established originally in 1S67. 
In the spring of 1873 the factory was destroyed by fire. Rallying quickly from 
this misfortune, Mr. Bostwick caused the shops to ^^e rebuilt on a larger scale 
and by virtue of his energy and persistence has succeeded in building up a large 
trade. Twenty-five employes find occupation at these works and from one to 
two thousand cords of wood are worked up each j'ear. The products of the fac- 
tory include barrels, firkins and general cooperage. The quality of these wares 
is widely known and admitted throughout this section of the state and their sale 
reaches into every town of Tompkins county and several surrounding counties 
as well. In the manufacturing resources of the place the cooperage works of 
Mr. Bostwick occupy an important standing on account of their extent and the 
superiority of the products of his factory. 

GEORGE SMALL. 

Another illustration of success won by indomitable pluck and energy is fur- 
nished by the subject of this brief sketch. George Small came from England 
to this country when quite a )'Oung boy and settled in Ithaca. By dint of hard 
work he secured for himself the advantages of a good education, and overcom- 
ing obstacles that had proved too great for many a man, advanced step by step 
until he was able in 1876 to purchase the lumber business at the corner of Tioga 
and Green streets which had been established in 1871 by Howell & VanHouter. 
The business had changed hands several times before he purchased it, but un- 
der his management increased largely and became profitable. In 1881 he erected 
the three story brick building 63x48 in dimensions on the southwest corner of 
Tioga and Green streets, and put in machinery for matching and planing the 
lumber he sold. He now handles annuall)' about 3,000,000 feet of lumber and 
gives employment to 10 or 12 men constantly. Two spacious lumber yards are 
owned by him, the one on the east side of Tioga street being 200x100 feet in di- 
mensions and the other on the west side, being 132x160 feet. He has a large 



local retail trade and is doing a prosperous business. It is not with the intention 
of flattering Mr. Small, who is still quite a young man, that mention has thus 
briefly been made of the circumstances attending his rise by his own exertions to 
the honorable position he now occupies in this community, but as such examples 
not infrequently give courage to young men who are struggling along and now 
and then meeting with obstacles seemingly insurmountable and which almost crush 
out their ambition, it is thought that such facts come within the province of a work 
of this character, and they are accordingly noted with the hope that they will 
serve the purpose contemplated. 

R. B. ¥00D. 

Among many other ways in which the existence of Cornell University in 
Ithaca has favorably affected the community, it has by virtue of its excellently 
conducted department of architecture given to the place several devotees to this 
line of effort, whose good taste and skillful training have been the means of de- 
veloping better ideas among master-builders, artisans and the people of this vil- 
lage and vicinity generally in regard to the building of houses, business places 
and public structures. The many attractive residences erected here in later years, 
the considerable improvement in appearance of many of the village stores, and 
the much better taste shown even in the building of the commoner houses, suf- 
ticiently attest the truth of this statement. The gentleman whose name appears 
at the head of this article is among those who are to be credited with good service 
in this work. A. B. Wood, after devoting himself for several years to the study 
of architecture and associated branches at the University entered the practice 
in 1875. His office was with Allen Gray, insurance agent, in the Bates Block. 
While building up a patronage in his special line, Mr. Wood also found oppor- 
tunity to acquaint himself with the details of insurance underwriting. In 1880 
he became a partner ot Mr. Gray in his extensive insurance business, and since 
the appointment of that gentleman as State agent for the Lorillard Insurance 
Company, something over a year ago, has had full charge of the local office. Mr. 
Wood has been the architect of not a few fine structures. Several admirable de- 
pot buildings have been erected for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, the 
most notable of which is the recently completed depot at WilkesBarre, Pa. The 
parochial school now building on West Buffalo street in this village is the de- 
sign of Mr. Wood and promises to reflect much credit upon the architect. A 
number of the attractive new houses of Ithaca are the "children of his brain," 
the handsome house of Captain J. W. Tibbetts on West State street, being the 
chief example of Mr. Wood's ability in this line of architectural work. In the 
elements of convenience, substantiality, safety, and thorough sanitary precautions, 
Mr. Wood's buildings are not surpassed by the work of any of his business com- 
peers of this section of the State. An element of character of this young man is 
thoroughness. This appears in his capacity as an underwriter, as well as in his 
other lines of effort. As a mark of the confidence of his insurance associates, it 
may be stated that at the reorganization of a local board in 1881 Mr. Wood was 
made secretary and treasurer of the board, and was again reappointed to the same 
office at the recent annual meeting. 



DR. F. S. HO¥E. 

In 1872, Dr. F. S. Howe removed to Ithaca from the neighboring village of 
Dryden, where for sixteen 3'ears he had been engaged in the successful practice 
of dentistry. During the eleven years of his residence in this place Dr. Howe 
has greatly added to the fine reputation which he early won, as an unusually 
skillful operator in his branch of professional work, and has built up an excel- 
lent and widely extended patronage. The early training of Dr. Howe in the 
delicate and exceedingly important branch of dental work required in the opera- 
tions connected with filling, in all its departments, was received with Dr. Benja- 
min Baker, for twenty years past a celebrated dental surgeon of Chicago, 111., 
who formerly conducted an office in St. Louis, Mo. After mastering this class 
of operations, Dr. Howe was for a time with Dr. Luman Matson. then, as 
now, a successful dentist at Auburn, who is very proficient in the department of 
plate work. This thorough training, supplementing many superior natural qual- 
ifications possessed by Dr. Howe, gave him an eas)' road to the confidence and 
patronage of the public, when he entered formally upon his professional career. 
On first coming to Ithaca, Dr. Howe located in an office in the Andrus & Church 
block. In 1873 he removed to the fine quarters in the Bates block, which he has 
since continued to occupy. His patronage has rapidly grown, and his office has 
come to be widely known as one of the best equipped in all respects, and most 
ably conducted dental establishments in this section of the State. With all the 
care and responsibility of increasing business, Dr. Howe has still found time 
and opportunity to keep up with the rapid progress made in late years, in the art 
he practices. He has made frequent trips to the metropolis, for special study in 
certain lines of work, in the offices of the leading dental surgeons, and has, in- 
deed, but very recently returned from a journey to New Yoik, made for this 
purpose. Therefore he is fully abreast of the times, in his practical knowledge 
of all the improved process and apparatus known in the art of dentistry. All 
classes of work, or any particular kind of operation desired, can be performed 
at this establishment, in a scientific and satisfactory manner. In the branch of 
plate work. Dr. Howe's office doubtless leads all rivals in this part of the State. 
Dr. Howe, in addition to his successful pursuit of his professional occupation, 
has had no small success in musical achievement. He organized the Fiftieth 
Band, and was for a time, its efficient leader, withdrawing from its direction, 
owing to a multiplicity of other engagements. He has been for the past eleven 
years the leader of the Aurora street M. E. Church choir, and has had an im- 
portant part in most of the larger musical aflairs of this place. 

R. C. CHRISTIMCE. 

The foundations of the fine business now conducted at 66 and 68 East State 
street, by Ralph C. Christiance, were laid in 1846, when Cornelius Christiance, 
father of the present proprietor, opened a small retail boot and shoe store just 
across the street in the store now occupied by Theodore Dobrin. The business 
prospered under the direction of Mr. Christiance, who was a careful, prudent 
man. In 1861 the business was transferred to its present quarters, R. C. Chris- 
tiance sometime previous to the removal having become a part owner. At 
the death of Cornelius Christiance in 1876, R. C. Christiance succeed- 



ed to the sole ownership of the business, and has been successful in 
largely increasing it and adding to its commercial importance. In addi- 
tion to the fine retail trade in boots and shoes and large business in 
fine custom work, a considerable retail and wholesale business in trunks 
and satchels, and rubber goods has been built up. Eleven persons are 
employed in the establishment. The stock carried is large, the three story 
and basement building occupied by the business being packed with goods. Mr. 
Christiance has shown much shrewdness and sound judgment in the purchase 
and handling of rubber goods, and has realized handsomely from his operations 
in that line. In addition to the large quantities of this sort of goods received and 
disposed of from the store, very many orders are sent in to be filled from the 
fact(jr}'. In a quiet, unassuming way, and through force of unusual business 
energy and sagacity Mr. Christiance has developed the trade established by his 
father, into one of the most im?)ortant commercial enterprises of the place, his 
sales lor the current year promising to reach fully $175,000. Mr. Christiance's 
thoroughness in any matter he engages in is well shown by his rapid growth in 
Masonry. From the humblest position in the ranks of this great body in a few 
years he pushed his way to the very fore-front. For several years he has held 
the important and responsible position of Grand Treasurer of the Grand Com- 
mandery of the State of New York. In all respects R. C. Christiance is one of 
the leading, representative business men of Ithaca. 

WORTMSN & SON. 

The business career of Jacob R. Wortman, the head of this well-known and 
prosperous firm, began in 1859, when in connection with George Breitenbecker, 
he opened a small meat market in the Clinton block on North Cayuga street. The 
venture did not prove a successful one, and after a time was abandoned. In 1865 
Mr. Wortman took possession of the store at 16 North Aurora street, where he 
has remained during the succeeding eighteen years. Under his personal direction 
his business has prospered finely, and his market is recognized as the leading 
one in the place. In 1879 Mr. Wortman associated with him his son, L.S. Wortman, 
by whom he is ably seconded in his efforts to properly meet the demands of his 
large and growing trade. While Mr. Wortman has, through persistent industry 
and the possession of special qualifications for the business, been successful in 
building up a fine reputation in his line and a large patronage, he has also found 
time and inclination to interest himself in the general welfare of the community. 
In 1874 he was elected to a commisionership in the board of education, succeed- 
ing in that body the late John Gauntlett. He is still a member of the School Board, 
having been twice reelected, and has, during the nine years of service in that 
capacity, been one of the most faithful, competent members, in all cases favor- 
ing in a prudent and conservative, but thoroughly earnest manner, projects 
which have tended to build up the schools of this village. In 1882 Mr. Wort- 
man was elected one of the trustees of the village from the Second Ward, and in 
his capacity as a member of the village board, has found larger scope for.' the 
exercise of the business-like methods and wide-awake spiritedness of which he 
is the possessor in no small measure. As illustrating the fore-thought of the 
subject of this sketch, it is of interest to note that some years ago he purchased 



a farm of fifty acres situated along the lake front just south of McKinney's. This 
property has much increased in value since, and there is good prospect that at 
no very distant day, the whole lake front 13'ing between McKinney's and the 
Corner-of-the lake, will be in lively demand as sites for the many summer resi- 
dences which Mr. Wortman and other progressive-minded citizens confidently 
anticipate will be erected. Surely there is no more healthy and charming loca- 
tion for the building of a summer cottage, or permanent dwelling, where large 
and attractive grounds could be had, possessing a host of natural points of beau- 
ty and desirableness, than this to which allusion has been made. Speed the day 
when, beginning with the Renwick property, than which there is no more eligible 
and charming place in the State for the establishing of a beautiful country home, 
surrounded by grounds which with slight improvement could not be surpassed 
anywhere, the whole eastern slope of Cayuga, running north for three miles 
at least, shall be adorned with the homes of ih^uture well-to-do manufacturers 
and enterprising tradesmen of the revived Ithaca. 

C. H. ¥M HOUTER. 

A very successful business enterprise, which has been Luilt up in a com- 
parativel)' few years by one of the young business men of the place, is the whole- 
sale and retail lumber concern of C. H. Van Houter, located at the corner of 
Clinton and Cayuga streets. Peter Van Houter for years owned and operated 
a lumber yard on South Tioga street and his son, C. H. VanHouter, therefore 
grew up to a knowledge of the business, with which he is thoroughly acquainted 
in all its details. In 1875 he entered into a co-partnership with George Small 
and for three years this firm carried on the business now conducted by Mr. 
Small alone. In 1878 Mr. Van Houter opened a yard on his own account on 
the site of the brick planing mill at the corner of Green and Tioga streets. In 
1880 he removed his growing business to its present location, where it has pros- 
pered well. From the dimensions of a limited retail trade the business has been 
greatly extended, and frequent shipments are made to Watkins, Geneva, L3'ons, 
Auburn, and many other points within a radius of 50 miles. Orders have also 
been received from New York, points in New Jersey, and even in some instances 
from Boston. This )^ard is fully stocked in all respects, and a low range of 
prices is maintained. In some particular grades of lumber, Mr. Van Houter has 
been able to defy the competition of the largest wholesale dealers. A speciality 
is made of cut shingles, of which class of wares, a larger sale is made at this 
yard than by any other dealer in the State east of Buffalo and Tonawanda. 

J. F. BRUEN. 

The establishment in Ithaca of a large and fine store this season, devoted to 
the exclusive sale of carpets, rugs, oil cloths, and linoleum goods, excited 
considerable attention and interest. The premises occupied arc located in the 
Rumsey block on North Tioga street, in the store formerly occupied by Spence 
Spencer, for the sale of books and stationery. Mr. Bruen, the proprietor, is a 
member of the firm of Bruen Brothers, large wholesale carpet dealers of New 
York, whose commercial reputation is of the highest standing. Having been for 
years a traveling salesman for the house, Mr. Bruen became at length desirous 



of locating permanently, and making a settled abiding place for himself and 
famil)-. After tooking carefully over the field, he fixed upon Ithaca ns a desirable 
place to live in. and one that promised to permit the building up in time agood 
trade. Accordingly the store in question was taken, and after it had been com- 
pletely renovated and finely re-fitted, a splendid stock of carpets, rugs, cur- 
tains, oil cloths and linoleum goods was put in, and the place opened for 
public patronage. Mr. Bruen has pursued from the outset a very liberal method 
of proclaiming his establishment in our midst; attractive announcements appear- 
ed in the newspapers, large quantities of neat oil cloth school bags were distri- 
buted among the hundreds of children of the town, a very handsome display of 
rich carpets, rugs, etc. was made at the fine fair of the Agricultural Society in 
September, a fine carpet was presented to Torrent Hose Co. No. 5, for sale at 
their recent benefit fair, and in many varj'ing ways the liberality of the firm has 
been displayed, and the way paved for a large and growing trade and popularity. 
Meanwhile business has grown and and considerable sales have alreadv been 
made. There is room here for such men as J. F. Bruen, and his business 
should bring large financial prosperity. 

R, n. HEGGIE. 

The successful and growing jewelry and engraving business of which R. A. 
Heggie is ihe proprietor, located in a handsome, plate glass front store at 40 
East State street, had its beginning in 1875, when Mr. Heggie, after a thorough 
practical training in the trade, made his first venture on his own account by 
leasing a portion of the book-store then conducted in the Rumsey Block on 
North Tioga street by Spence Spencer. Mr. Heggie's unusual skill as a design- 
er and maker of pins and badges, and as an engraver, has won for him much 
more than a local reputation. Soon after his establishment here he began to re- 
ceive considerable orders for fraternity pins, and during the eight years he has 
been in business has made a very large number, many of them being very hand- 
some in design and unexcelled in the skillful workmanship displayed in their con- 
struction. As an engraver Mr. Heggie has no superior in this locality. In 1S81 
he removed his business to its present location, where it has prospered very fine- 
ly. The store is neatly appointed in all respects, and its attractive cases con- 
tain a handsome display of fine diamonds, rich jewelry, watches, silverware, and 
gold pens. The exhibit of fine jewelry, diamonds and watches made by Mr. 
Heggie at the fair of the Tompkins County Agricultural Society this fall attract- 
ed much admiration and received the premium awarded by the society for 
superior merit. 

¥HITE 8c BURDICK, 

Away back in Ithaca's history nearly every store carried a line of drugs, and 
and it was not until 1820 that the first drug store exclusively was established. 
A Dr. Miller was the pioneer in this branch of business, and there are living to- 
day here a few people who remember his drug store with its wonder-inspiring 
colored lights in the window, which stood on the present site of the ornate 
Sprague Block. Benjamin Halse}'- was a clerk in Dr.Miller's establishment, and 
succeeded him as the proprietor. For full forty years the drug business was car- 



ried on by Mr. Halsey and his son in different locations on State street. The}' 
were succeeded by J. Colwell, and in 1867 this old established business was 
purchased by Messrs. Charles H. White and D. W. Burdick. In i860 the build- 
ing No. 16 East State street was erected, and soon after the storeroom now occu- 
pied by Messrs. White & Burdick was secured as being a favorable location for 
this drug business. This firm have been very successful and have built up a 
larye and profitable business. Their storeroom is 18 feet wide and 84 feet deep, 
with a large basement occupied for storage purpose. The business which, when 
originally started did not amount to more than that now usually done b)' some 
physician, has grown to proportions which would then have been considered ex- 
traordinarily large, and forms an excellent illustration of Ithaca's growth and 
progress in general. 

THE PATRICK ¥ALL SHOE STORE. 

The business, located at No. 12 North Aurora street, of which the well- 
known boot and shoe merchant, Patrick Wall is in charge, was established b)' 
him in 1871 in a sinall store on South Aurora <:treet. It was removed a year or 
two later to its present more attractive and coiiifnodious quarters, where is to be 
found a large and fine stock of boots and sh les, slippers and rubbers in all 
grades and at fair prices. The reputation of this well and favorably known 
house for honest dealing is excellent, and entitles it to the liberal patronage of 
Ithaca and vicinity. 

THE AUTOPHONE COMPANY. 

Within the last few years public attention has largel}' been drawn to automatic 
musical instruments, through the efforts of men of acknowledged genius and 
ability to perfect an instrument that, unlike the much execrated hand organ or 
more desirable music-box even, would produce all the latest music of the day as 
well as possess the range to give the variety of the costly organ or piano, without 
requiring the skill and the ability requisite to the performance on those instru- 
ments. While almost every person is attracted and pleased, more or less, by mu- 
sic, there are comparatively few who can master the trained ear or facility of exe- 
cution necessary to success — to render correctly the simpler melodies even, let 
alone the grand conceptions of the masters — and that there is a demand for such 
instruments has been conclusively proven by the avidity with which the public 
have purchased the results of every attempt in this direction, however crude. 
Various degrees of success have attended the efforts of those who have attempted 
to produce such an instrument, and the country has been literally flooded with 
their inventions, most of which are awkward and complicated, lacking in both 
simplicity and economy and giving very imperfect and unsatisfactory results. 
Among those who engaged in the attempt was Mr. H. B. Horton, of Ithaca, whose 
genius and ability are well known. After working several years on the problem, 
he was finally rewarded for his perseverance with its satisfactory solution, and pro- 
duced as the result, the Aufophone. which is now so widely and favorably known 
as the most perfect and desirable automatic musical instrument ever invented. 
The Autophone possesses many points of advantage over all other automatic mu- 
sical instruments in elegance, utility, simplicity of construction, economy and ex- 



ecution, but chiefly in its music, the condensation of the music allowing a greater 
number of notes and consequently more harmony. Unlike the others, too, the 
feed of the music is intermittent, being controlled by a simple piece of mechanism 
forming one of the features of the patent, and the regularity and perfection with 
which the music is rendered is remarlvable. The vast range of music it is capa- 
ble of rendering embraces not only the sacred and instrumental music commonly 
known, and ihe popular songs of the day, but the more difficult and class'cal com- 
positions which only the professional artists perform, as well as the operas. The 
instruments are manufactured of the very best materials and finished in styles 
both unique and handsome, making them a decided ornament in any household, 
while their durability is such that with reasonable care they will last a long time, 
and even if from any cause they become out of tune the reeds can be detached 
returned to the factory and re-tuned at a very slight cost. They are not toys, but 
substantial musical instruments of remarkable power, sweetness and purity of 
tone, capable of spreading delight and happiness into many homes which other- 
wise would be debarred from the pleasure and refining influence of music, as also 
affording novelty and pleasure to those even, whose circumstances permit them 
to indulge their taste in a costly organ or piano. The catalogue of music pre- 
pared for the Autophone now embraces nearly i, coo tunes — sacred and instrumen- 
tal music, popular airs and the operas — and the more fully it is understood and 
introduced the more popular it must become. Letters patent were first granted 
Mr. Horton for the Autophone in October, 1877, and again in December, 1878, and 
he tried to interest capital in the formation of a company for its manufacture, but 
was then unsuccessful, owing to the fact that special music, differing materially 
from that used in other automatic musical instruments, was required, and there 
was a general incredulity as to his ability to construct a machine that would cut 
it. Having satisfactorily demonstrated this point, however, by the construction 
of a press, 'the Autophone Company was formed by F. M. Finch, H F. Hibbard 
and H. B. Horton. and in September, 1879, incorporated. A room was secured 
—half of the second floor— in the west wing of the Ithaca Calendar Clock Com- 
pany's building and the work of manufacturing the Autophone begun. When 
placed upon the market its novelty and decided merit won for it immediate pop- 
ularity, and about 75 Autophones were produced monthly, until in the spring of 
1880, when the whole of this floor was taken and the capacity of the factory about 
doubled. The demand for them steadily increasing, the capacity was again en- 
larged duririg the same year, and early in 1881 the entire west wing of this large 
building was occupied by the company. During 1882 they manufactured 15,000 
of the small sized instruments and 3,000 of the other sizes, and as the demand for 
the larger instruments is greater this year, the aggregate amount of business for 
1883, in dollars, will probably equal the large business of 1882, while the pros- 
pects for the future are even brighter. Having purchased Horton's patents, a new 
organization of the company was effected in April, 1883, and the officers now are 
F. M. Finch. President ; H. A. St. John, Vice President, and H. M. Hibbard, 
Treasurer. Mr. St. John and Mr. Hibbard have been actively connected with the 
company since February, 1881, however, and the latter is especially well versed 
in the business. Four sizes of the Autophone are made, the smallest ijistrument 



^2. 



\lUkGN f^U^ ns \^tSOVJ^CtS 




,22 notes) selling for $5; the concert style, $12 ; concert style, with stand, (32 notes) 
$16, and the cabinet autophone, $35 ; and the company are also now manufactur- 
ing Prof. Cleaves' Patent Study Table, a most convenient and useful article for 
the student or writer. A working force of 45 people is employed, which number 



is nearly doubled in preparation for the holiday trade, and the facilities for pro- 
ducing the Autophone are of the most complete character. The machinery is prin- 
cipally that specially adapted and invented for this business, and includes five 
presses for cutting music. These presses are wonders of ingenious mechanism, 
and it might here be mentioned that the Autophone Company are the only manu- 
facturers of automatic musical instruments who cut their own music. When it is 
considered what an immense amount of skilled labor is required to produce one 
of these little instruments it is surprising how they can be sold so cheaply. The 
reeds are as carefully and accurately tuned as those of an organ, while the materi- 
al is of the very best quality and the workmanship expended on the cases, on 
every part of the instrument, is fully equal to that expended on an organ. But 
the result justifies the expenditure oi both the time and money, for the popularity 
of the Autophone is steadily increasing and it is constantly making new friends 
and patrons where other automatic musical instruments are being consigned to 
oblivion. The Autophone Company are just beginning to export their products 
and with the favorable reception the Autophone is meeting in other countries and 
the still greater demand here at home they have every reason to feel gratified at 
their past success as well as pleased with the prospects of the future. They have 
an abundance of capital, the enterprise is conducted by gentlemen of abilitj' and 
there is every indication that the industry will' not only continue to thrive and 
prosper, but add still more largely to the wealth, prosperity and industrial repu- 
tation of Ithaca. 

C. R. lYES. 

For the convenient purchase of tickets to all points throughout the world, 
Ithaca is well supplied with ticket offices right in the heart of the village. Nota- 
ble among these is the office of C. A. Ives, at No. 3 Clinton block. The office 
was opened by Mr. Ives about six years ago, and through his courtesy and ac- 
curacy he has become well-known to the traveling public, and his office is a fa- 
vorite place for purchasers of railway and steamship tickets. He is the regular 
city agent for the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Being thoroughly posted on all lines 
of travel he is enabled to furnish the most complete information to tourists and 
others, especially concerning the Great West and its railroads. Baggage is 
checked from the residences of those purchasing tickets from him, and by rea- 
son of the accommodations afforded the traveling public, his office is a great 
convenience, and is thereby worthy the brief notice given. 

SHELDON & BLIYEN. 

The best equipped and most popularly managed livery establishment in 
Ithaca is that of Sheldon & Bliven, located at the foot of South Tioga street. 
The ground upon which the large and attractive appearing stables and office 
stand is in some respects historic. Here for many years prior to the great flood 
of 1857 stood a hat manufactory originally conducted by the Tichenors, and later 
by the well known hat and fur merchant of to-day, William M. Culver. This 
building and its contents were* carried away and destroyed by the terrible deluge 
of angry waters which swept through this village on that memorable night twenty- 
six years ago. In 1879 the firm of Sheldon & Bliven was formed. The senior 
member of the firm, J. P. Sheldon, was for several years previous to that date 



the proprietor of a livery stable in this place, and the other member of the firm, 
C. M. Bliven, came herein that year from Norwich, Chenango County. The 
buildings have been much improved since their occupancy bv Sheldon & Bliven, 
and the business has prospered under the management of these gentlemen. Both 
are known as excellent judges of horse-flesh, and in addition to owning consid- 
erable first-class stock for hire, as well as keeping the most stylish and tasty 
turnouts the village affords, have in their stables. Pathfinder, a splendid animal 
for breeding purposes. The establishment of this enterprising firm deservedl)^ 
receives much of the best patronage of the place. 

C. S. ¥IXOM. 

The general art and variety store at 38 East State street, of which Clermont S. 
Wixom is the proprietor, was established December ist, 1881. by the firm of 
Wright & Wixom. In the following May Mr. Wixom purchased Mr. Wright's 
share of the business and has since conducted it alone. The stock has been much 
increased and improved under Mr. Wixom's individual proprietorship and his 
store contains a very full and fine assortment of art, variety and fancy goods. A 
specialty is made of framing pictures and a large and growing patronage in this 
department of the business is enjoyed at this store. For holiday and anniversary 
gifts this well-known and popular, cheap store is the leading headquarters in the 
county. Excellent taste is shown in the selection of goods, much enterprise is 
exhibited in acquainting the public with interesting facts relating to the business, 
and further and growing success is due this well conducted store, which fills an 
important place in the business resources of Ithaca. 

WILLIIM FREM. 

"As familiar as household words" throughout Tompkins County, are the 
name and high standing, in his profession, of William Frear, the oldest estab- 
lished and most prominent photographer of Ithaca and its vicinity. There is 
scarcely a household in the county where some evidence of his artistic taste and 
undoubted skill as a photographer will not be found gracing the pages of the 
family album. The growth of William Frear's business has kept pace with his 
increasing artistic excellence and merit, and in both respects it can be truthfully 
said he stands now in the lead, as regards this place and a considerable sur- 
rounding territory. A sketch of the leading events in the professional and busi- 
ness growth of Mr. Frear will form an interesting chapter in Ithaca and its 
Resources. After getting a thorough training in the elements of photography 
with the firm of Moulton & Larcom, in the adjacent city of Elmira, Mr. Frear re- 
moved to Jamestown, Chautauqua County, in 1865, and there in connection 
with Alvin Phillips, opened a gallery. In March, 1857, he purchased of 
George Beardsley his share of the business which had been started by 
Purdy & Beardsley. The new firm of Purdy & Frear occupied the same quarters 
on the upper door of the Pumpelly Block, where Mr. Frear's business is now lo- 
cated. In 1873 Mr. Purdy withdrew from the fi»m to devote himself to portrait 
painting, and Mr. Frear has since remained sole proprietor of the business, to 
which he has greatly added in all ways. Hundreds of dollars have been expend- 
ed in the finest and newest apparatus obtainable, new scenery and backgrounds 



have been purchased from time to time, and all new processes in the art have 
been mastered promptly and put into successful operation at this gallery. The 
"instantaneous" process, the greatest recent improvement in photograph)' is 
now almost exclusively practiced by Mr. Frear and his remarkable success in 
the line of accurate children's pictures, so stronglj' illustrated by the fine prize 
exhibition of child pictures made at the late county fair, is largely due to his 
thorough mastery of this method. While Mr. Frear has not infrequently given 
evidence of much originality and versatility by his excellently made novelties in 
the line of photographic studies, among which may be mentioned his "palette" 
pictures, curious "double" pictures, groups of heads, and season sketches, shown 
at the fair of 1S82, still he is best known for the painstaking care, and faithful ac- 
curacy with which his pictures in standard styles are invariably made. So well 
established is the reputation of Mr. Frear for the naturalness and accuracy of his 
work that for one to say that a photograph is from his studio is as much as to 
assert that it is in the great majority of instances, a correct and excellently fin- 
ished picture. A high standing in a communit}' for thoroughness, enterprise 
and business worth always challenges the admiration of the public. Such a po- 
sition is held in Ithaca by William Frear, and it is an augury of even larger suc- 
cess in the future than he has yet enjoyed. 

REYNOLDS & LING. 

The business of Reynolds & Lang, the Green Street Iron Founders and 
Machinists, is the oldest continuous manufacturing business in Ithaca to- 
day. The growth of this establishment, which is probably the largest of its class 
in the village, is an illustration of the growth and progress of the "Forest City," 
and forms an interesting chapter of Ithaca and its Resources. Many readers 
here will remember the old foundry which for years stood on the present site 
of the handsome Masonic Block on Tioga street. Here in this old building in 
1840 the foundry business was established by the firm of McCormick & Coy. 
The building was small, about 25x35 feet in dimensions, and the manufacture 
of stoves and a general jobbing and repair business was done. For some rea- 
son it changed hands very frequently. McCormick & Coy were succeeded 
by the Coy Brothers, and they by Stephen H. C03'. Then John H. Coy tried it 
but gave place in turn to E. G. Coy in 1844. It was while the establishment 
was run by the Coy Brothers in 1841 that Mr. J. S. Reynolds, of the present 
firm of Reynolds & Lang, entered the foundry to learn his trade of molding. 
With the growth of Ithaca this property became more valuable and was pur- 
chased by B. G. Pelton. He continued the business for some years and in 1861 
Mr. Reynolds, who had served his apprencticeship in the foundry and become a 
skilled workman, leased it. In 1865 he formed a co-partnership with Mr. J. B. 
Lang, a practical machinist of large experience, and the business was success- 
fully continued there by them until 1870, when, it being desirable to enlarge, 
they purchased the site on Green street, near Tioga, now occupied by them and 
erecting buildings removed from the old shops, upon the site of which the large 
brick Masonic Block was soon built. Under the management of Reynolds & 
Lang, the business had been steadily increasing, the manufacture of stoves had 
been abandoned a long time and the production of mill machinery, building 



iron and store fronts was the specialty. In 1875 they began building steam en- 
gines and boilers, which has since been the leading specialty and they now man- 
ulacture portable and stationary engines and boilers, mill gearing, agricultural 
implements, &c. The buildings were considerably enlarged in 1877, and the 
old machinery being replaced by new, the equipment is now equal to all demands, 
and forms a valuable plant. The main building is a three story frame structure, 
fronting 63 feet on Green street and 40 feet deep. The first floor is occupied by 
the machine shop and ofhce and the second and third floors by the wood work- 
ing and finishing departments. In the rear are the foundry, 40x50 feet in dimen- 
sions and the boiler shop, 50x30 feet. A force of 30 men is employed and a 
large number of engines are built annually, besides a large amount of mill 
gearing and other work. Their portable threshing and farm engine is consider 
ed the best engine for the purpose manufactured, by the farmers in this State, it 
being noted for economy in the amount of fuel required for the power furnished. 
All their products, however, are noted for quality and workmanship, as would 
naturally be expected from a firm that were practical workmen and iron found- 
eas and machinists in reality and not simply in name. Having so far kept pace 
with the progress made by Ithaca it is not likely the growth of the establishment 
will stop now, and it ma}' be with confidence expected that Reynolds & Lang 
will advance still farther and add still more largely to the prosperity of this 
place. 

J. H. HORTON. 

In 1876 the Lehigh Valley Coal Company established an agency in this place, 
putting its important interests here into the hands of Col. J. H. Horton, who had 
lor some years previously been in the employ of the Anthracite Coal Company, as 
superintendent of the mines in Sullivan Count}-, Pennsylvania. Col. Horton 
has proved a very efficient and popular representative of the Lehigh Valley Coal 
Company, and has had not a little to do with the very large increase in business 
at this point which the company has obtained in the last six years. Figures, far 
better than adjectives, convey a correct idea of the growth of a business, as well 
as its present status. In 1877 the Lehigh Valley Company shipped by water from 
this point 40,000 tons of coal. During the present season the amount shipped by 
water will reach 165,000 tons. The facilities for handling coal have been largely 
increased, a new dock being now in process of construction, and next year an ad- 
ditional dock will be built. Where formerly not more than 25,000 tons of coal 
could be stocked, now 100,000 tons can be stocked and still more room is needed. 
On the docks sixty laborers are employed and besides a foreman and four clerks. 
There is sold from the retail department annually 15,000 tons of anthracite coal 
and n.ooo tons of bituminous coal. The Ithaca Agency is the headquarters for 
the Valley Company's Western trade, and the through shipments over the G. I. & 
S. railroad are very large. During the current year closing Nov. 30th the amount 
of hard coal passing this point will reach nearly 500,000 tons, and to this must be 
added 60,000 tons of soft coal. The property of the Lehigh Valley Coal Com- 
pany at this point amounts to upwards of $100,000 in value and this is to be large- 
ly increased in the future. The large enrerprise of which Col. J. H. Horton is 
the very capable manager, adds much to the commercial importance of Ithaca. 



SNDRUS & CHURCH. 

Probably few of the readers are aware of the fact that at one time Ithaca was 
widely known as a publishing centre. But such is a fact, and many years ago 
the house now bearing the name of Andrus & Church was engaged in publishing 
educational and other books which found a wide market, among their customers 
being one of the largest publishing houses now engaged in business in New York 
City. Bat what will seem siill more notable is that not only were the books print- 
ed and bound by this publishing house, but that the paper upon which they were 
printed was also manufactured by them, and branch houses were established in 
Elmira, Hornellsville and other cities throughout the country for the sale of their 
public*tions and those of other publishers, with whom the}' exchanged their books. 
That day has passed, that place of business has been abandoned, and many relics 
of that time were destroyed when the old fashioned three-story building which 
stood on the present site of the handsome Andrus & Church block at No. 51 East 
State street, and in which for so many 3'ears that business was conducted, was 
burned in April of 1871. That old landmark is gone, an imposing brick struc- 
ture stands in its place, the character of the business has somewhat changed, and 
the son of the leading spirit of the old house is at the head of the house now con 
ducting it. William Andrus was born at Harwinton, Conn., November 18, 1800. 
At the age of ten years he lost his father by death and was thrown upon his own 
resources. He was fortunate, however, in falling into the hands of an intelligent 
and religious New England farmer who instilled into the boy's mind those lessons 
of integrity, uprightness and economy which can hardly be else than productive of 
good. At the age of sixteen he went to New York and entered into the employ 
of a printer named Paul, with whom he remained until 1823. Here again he was 
fortunate in his associations and the principles taught him b\' the former became 
more deeply fixed in his mind. While traveling as an auctioneer for his elder 
brother Silas, a bookseller in Hartford, Conn., in 1824, he visited Ithaca. His 
prompt attention to business, gentlemanly politeness, retiring demeanor and high- 
toned integrity impressed all with whom he came in contact, but more especially 
Mr. Ebenezer Mack, then engaged in the book trade and the publication of the 
Journal. After he left Ithaca, Mr. Mack wrote him and made proposals of part- 
nership. The proposition was accepted by Mr. Andrus and in the fall of 1824 he 
removed to Ithaca, and the firm of Mack & Andrus was formed. The name of 
the firm and the character of the business changed several times. In 1835 or 1836 
it became Mack, Andrus & Woodruff ; in 1842, Andrus, Woodruff & Gauntlett ; 
then Andrus, Gauntlett & Co., and in 1859, Andrus, McChain & Co. An exceed- 
ingly large business was built up, and it was during this period— the exact date 
is not within reach — that the large publishing business of which mention is made 
in the opening of this sketch was conducted. William Andrus acquired a com- 
petence and died an honored and lamented citizen, December 20, 1869. His son, 
William Andrus, took his place in the firm, which continued as Andrus, McChain 
& Co., until 1869, when the present firm of Andrus & Church was formed by Will- 
iam Andrus and W. A. Church. The business of Andrus & Church, the succes- 
sors of this old house, is now that of dealers in books and stationery and printers 
and binders. They occupy the first floor of their large block, 25x80 feet in di- 



mensions, as a salesroom for books, stationer}', wall paper, etc., carr)''ing a large 
stock and fine assortment of ever3'thing in this line, especially publications in de 
mand by students at the University. In the rear of this building is a three-story 
brick structure occupied by the printing office and bindery. There are five presses 
in operation and a fully equipped bindery and printing office in the building. 
From ID to 12 people are employed by them, and besides the regular book and 
pamphlet work, blank book manufacturing and general job printing done they 
also print the University publications, the Cornell J?evie7ii (monthly), £ra (weekly) 
and Sun (daily). They do a large business and rank among the foremost of Ithaca's 
business houses. 

THE ITHACl GLSSS WORKS. 

The glass industry is becoming of considerable prominence in Ithaca, and 
there is certainly no other that Could be more welcome. The new Ithaca Glass 
Works give employment to 150 workmen, and pay out $9,000 in wages every 
month. This simple statement is sufficient so show its value to the community, 
and the starting up anew of the works is const qnently hailed with much satisfac- 
tion. Originally established in 1874, the works changed owners in 1876, and 
were successfully conducted until April of 18S2, when they were destroyed by 
fire. A new company was subsequently organized, however, and the works 
were re-built, being completed during the past summer (1883,) and are now in 
full operation. This is one of the largest and best arranged glass works in the 
country, and the visitor will be at once impressed by the size of the immense 
buildings, especially of the main furnace building, which is 100x205 feet in 
dimensions. To the architect or builder, the supporting of such a large roof 
without pillars forms an interesting study. This building contains two eight-pot 
furnaces. An annex furnace building, with a third eight-pot furnace, is now 
building, and will be 75x100 feet in dimensions. The flattening and annealing 
building is 150x90 feet, while the building occupied by the cutting and packing 
departments is 28x90 feet. The building in which are the engine room, mill for 
grinding the crucible material and the box shop is 30x120 feet. The crucible build- 
ing, where the melting pots are m.ide, is a two-story frame structure, 30x100 feet, 
and the batch house is 28x50 feet. No concern in this country possesses better 
facilities, either for manufacturing glass or for the receipt of material and ship- 
ment of product. The works are located. on Third street, between Franklin and 
Railroad, within a couple hundred feet of the canal, and lie between the Geneva, 
Ithaca and Sayre, and Delaware, Lackawana and Western Railroads, with sid- 
ings from both roads running directly into their yards. A trestle capable of re- 
ceiving 15 coal cars runs alongside the main furnace building and permits the 
dumping of coal just where it is most convenient, while the )fard track permits 
20 freight cars to stand in the yard at one time for loading or unloading. Sixty 
cars are received and put out from the works every week. About 900 tons of 
coal, 150 cords of wood. 65 tons of soda-ash, and 250 tons of sand (the latter com- 
ing; from Oneida Lake by canal,) are consumed in the production of the monthly 
output of 9,000 boxes of glass. Both single and double thick Patent White Crys- 
tal Sheet Glass is produced, the works being built according to the most improv- 



f . 



ed plans for the economical production of a superior quality of glass. This be- 
ing the commencement of the first season of the works, it is a source of much 
gratification to the stockholders in the concern, that their new and expensive 
plant is working so satisfactorily, the glass being of auniformly fine quality. 
The works were built under the direction of Mr. Richard Heagany, the superin- 
tendent, who has been connected with them since 1876. And he may well feel a 
pardonable pride in the result of his labors. The Ithaca Glass Works are owned 
by a stock company, of which the officers are Messrs. C. F. Blood, President; 
D. F. Williams, Vice-President ; William N. Noble, Treasurer ; Bradford Almy. 
Secretary ; and Richard Heagany, Superintendent. These gentlemen are all well 
and favorably known as being among the leading citizens of Ithaca, and they 
certainly could confer no greater benefit upon the "Forest City" than they have 
in building these works, and reestablishing an industr}' of so much value to the 
place. It is to be hoped that the auspicious opening of the works under this 
new management will only prove to be the forerunner of greater success to 
come, and when again the Resources of Ithaca are thus reviewed, the Ithaca 
Glass Works will be found to have fulfilled not only the expectations of the pro- 
moters of the enterprise, but have served, through its success, to attract other 
industries to this beautiful village, which offers so many advantages to manufac- 
turing enterprises of every description. 

E. S. ESTY & SONS. 

In the year 1821 there were in existence two establishments devoted to the 
business of tanning in what was then the hamlet of Ithaca. One was situated 
upon the grounds now occupied by the beautiful residences of Calvin D. Stowell 
and Arthur B. Brooks on North Aurora street, and was owned by Daniel Bates, 
whose name is closely identified with the early history of this place. The other 
tannery stood upon the lot at the southeast corner of Aurora and Buffalo streets 
and was owned by Comfort Butler, by whom the house now occupied by Alex- 
ander King was built in 1817. The late Joseph Esty, who had for sometime pre- 
vious been employed as foreman of the tannery of the Messrs. Patty, of Auburn, 
learning that the Butler tannery could be rented, gathered the small earnings ac- 
cruing from the salary of $300 a year, which was large, however, for those 
times, and borrowing the sum of $1000 beside, came to Ithaca and commenced 
business on his own account. From this humble beginning has grown in due 
time the large and flourishing enterprise now conducted by Edward S. Esty, eld- 
est son of Joseph Esty, and Albert H., and Clarence H., sons of E. S. Esty. 
When Joseph Esty first established himself here there were in Tompkins Coun- 
ty some twenty-four or twenty-five tanneries, but the only hides used were those 
of the domestic animals of the county, unless perchance a trip to Albany was 
made by some enterprising farmer who had wheat to sell, when a small quantity 
of Spanish hides, as an}' foreign hides were then called, were brought back as 
the return load. Within a few years thereafter Mr. Esty purchased of Simeon 
DeWitt the premises at the corner of Tioga and Green streets, now occupied 
by the planing mill of George Small, and removed his business to that site. In 
the great fire of 1871 the buildings were entirely destroyed, and the business 



which was under full headway at the time received a temporary check. In a 
short time, however, the works were rebuilt on a much larger scale on their pres- 
ent site in the southwestern part of the village. The present Ithaca tannery pos- 
sesses all of the improvements known to the trade, including the novelty of a cir- 
cular railroad. The capacity of the works is 50,000 sides of sole leather each 
year. The firm of E. S. Esty & Sons also owns two other tanneries of the same 
capacity, which are located at Candor and Catatonk in Tioga County. The 
leather from all of these tanneries bears the trade mark "Humboldt," and is 
mainly sold in Boston, Mass. Long experience in the business, however, has 
made them familiar with the markets of the world and they avail themselves of 
this knowledge in the purchase of hides as well as the sale of the products of 
their factories. It is a curious fact that in these extensive tanneries are to be 
found the skins of animals from nearly every part of the globe (except Tewks- 
bury.) The question is sometimes asked "why not use the hides of our own do- 
mestic cattle, or those of Europe?'' The answer is that these animals are too 
well fed, and the improvement in stock of late years has caused the deposition 
of a large amount of the fatty elements in the hides. This together with the 
shelter of our domestic animals in sheds and barns in the winter, renders their 
hides thin and tender and adapted only for harness and'upper" leather purposes. 
There is no product of this place or immediate vicinity, which enters into the 
manufactures of these tanneries, except labor. The bark comes largely from the 
forests of Pennsylvania, and Southern New York, and as has been stated the hide 
supply is drawn from all parts of the world. As showing how greatly the tan- 
nery interests represented by E. S. Esty and Sons exceed in dimensions those of 
the early days of this vicinity, it may be stated that their works located on the 
Cayuga inlet in Ithaca, annually produce more leather than the whole twent)'-five 
tanneries of Tompkins County of fift)' years ago could by the processes then 
known to the trade have produced in three years. While for many years Ed 
ward S. Esty has given to the business established by his father, and so largely 
developed by himself and sons, the greater share of his energy and thoughtful at- 
tention, he has still found opportunity, and great satisfaction as well, in matters 
pertaining to the general well being of the trade in which he has so greatly suc- 
ceeded, to his native village, among whose honored and highly respected citizens 
he is a leader, and in the State, to whose highest legislative councils he has late- 
ly been called by an election to the Senate from this, the 26ih district. As a 
citizen of Ithace he has held, and still occupies, many important positions. He 
was the first chief engineer of the fire department in its present form, and framed 
the laws by which it is governed. He was one of the incorporators of the First 
National Bank, and now is vice president of this flourishing financial concern. 
He was trustee and treasurer of ihe old academy, and has been for years a trustee 
of the Cornell Library, and President of the Board of Education since the estab- 
lishment of the present graded school system. The recent adoption of Mr. Esty's 
suggestion in relation to the building of a new high school edifice at a cost of 
$50,000 is a timely illustration of his liberal and progressive ideas in connection 
with educational affairs. Mr. Esty will not enter the Senate an entire stranger to 
the legislative halls, as in 1858 he represented Tompkins County in the Assem- 
bly. For years he had taken no active part in politics, and his nomination for 



\02 \^V\KCN NU\i MS R^SOVi?>CtS. 

the senatorship from this district came all unsought and unexpectedly. His 
election was a fittitig testimonial of the high regard in which the gentleman is 
held, and his career in the Senate will amply prove the wisdom of his selection 
to fill this important position, as it will give better scope than ever for the exer- 
cise of his ripened experience, and sound practical judgment. 

THE ITHSCA SIGN ¥ORKS. 

Within the last decade advertising in all its different forms has increased 
very largely, and especially is this noticeable in driving through the country. 
On nearly every fence or barn or tree is tacked a board sign calling attention to 
this or to that remedy, or the different stores in the towns near by. Very man)' 
of these signs are made in Ithaca, and their manufacture forms quite an industry. 
The third floor of Small's planing mill building, at the corner of Green and Tio. 
ga streets, is occupied by the Ithaca Sign Works, of which Stanford & Co. are 
the proprietors. Here a number of men, boys and girls are employed in paint- 
ing, printing and finishing these sign boards and other advertising novelties, 
which are shipped to every State and Territory in the Union. Besides the rooms 
in this building, a room in another building is occupied for the painting of the 
large picture signs on gum cloth, in which a considerable business is done, and 
three or four people are also employed outside in finishing up some of the work. 
Three men are employed in traveling throughout the country and soliciting orders 
fOr the products of the establishment, which embrace board, tin and cloth ad- 
vertising signs, advertising novelties, such as )'ard sticks, match safes, knife 
sharpeners and picture signs of every description, both humorous and otherwise, 
which are all made to order. The gentlemen composing the firm of Stanford 
and Company are practical men, and have evidently reduced the business to a 
system. The best advertisers in the country are numbered among their patrons, 
and the concern is probably the largest of its kind in the country. 

ITHICI TELEPHONE SERVICE. 

It is not within the province of this sketch to follow in detail the gradual de- 
velopment of the telephone system in Ithaca. It must suffice concerning the ear- 
lier history of the service to note that the early experiments of Prof. W. A. Anthony, 
of the University,resulted in due time in the formation of a company for the prac- 
tical conduct and extension of the system. Among the gentlemen most promi- 
nently associated with Prof. Anthony in this enterprise was Captain W. O. 
Wyckoff. The business was put successfully into operation under the direction 
of these gentlemen and remained under their management until January ist, of 
the present year, when it was purchased by the New York & Penns)'lvania Tele- 
phone & Telegraph Company. By this change in ownership the telephone ser- 
vice of this place has during the year been relieved of its purely local and some- 
what amateurish aspect and has become an important link in the great s)'stem now 
extending through seventeen counties of this State and Pennsylvania, which has 
been developed through the capital and enterprise of this company. The territory 
at present occupied by the New York & Pennsylvania Telephone & Telegraph 
Co. embraces the entire northern tier of counties of Pennsylvania, save 
Wayne, at the extreme eaastern side of the State, and the whole southern tier of 



New York, with two of the counties ol the second tier. This district contains 
now more than 4,200 miles of telephone wire, and 3,700 complete sets of instru- 
ments, and telephone facilities are thus afforded to a population of 900,000 people. 
The value of the system is constantly being increased by the extension of direct 
lines to important points and the adoption of all the best improvements in the art 
as they become known. With the change of ownership of the telephone service 
in Ithaca have come other important modifications and improvements. The ex- 
change has been removed from its lofty location in the Rumsey Block to a more 
eligible site in the Morrison Block ; in place of the old time and unsatisfactory 
switch board the handsome and admirable Williams improved switch board has 
been put into the exchange ; the wires have been taken from the house-tops and 
placed upon fine poles; and the conduct of the business here has been placed 
in thehands of a practical electrician and telephone manager, and courteousgen- 
lleman, in the person of Mr. James W. Gillespie, formerly of Scranton, Pa. Mr. 
Gillespie's assumption of the management of the telephone service in Ithaca dated 
October 1st. Already the beneficial effects upon the service resulting from the ef- 
forts of a capable, experienced manager are apparent. New confidence has been 
inspired in the public, not a few new subscribers have been secured, and in many 
ways the value of the system has been much augmented. In the whole territory 
occupied by the New York & Pennsylvania Telephone & Telegraph Company this 
village is the only one in which hand telephones are still in use. By January ist, 
1884, they will have entirely disappeared from use here as well. This fact, to- 
gether with the improvement in the conduct of the exchange, in the matter of 
prompt response to calls, and in all other possible ways, will fully make up in 
the added efficiency of the service the increased yearly rental which is now re- 
quired. In this connection it ma)'- be said that in no other place in the United 
States of equal size are the same facilities, namely, a full set of instru- 
ments and communication by a direct line, provided as cheaply as in Ithaca. 
There are now 148 subscribers to the telephone system here, and from 400 to 600 
calls are responded to daily at the exchange. It may be confidently predicted that 
in the hands of so efficient and wide awake a gentleman as Manager Gillespie the 
interests of his employers will be well cared for, and the rights and conveniences 
of the public will be equally and thoroughly observed. 

¥ILLmM M. CULYER. 

The business career of this long established and successful merchant began 
in Massilon, Ohio, in 1841, where at the age of 21 he entered upon the manufac- 
turing and sale of hats and the handling of furs. Eight years later he returned 
to Ithaca, and opened a store at the corner of Cayuga and State streets, in the 
building now occupied by Crozier & Feeley, He next removed to a store in the 
Stannard Block, which occupied the site of the present store of R. A. Heggie. 
Then his business was transferred two )'ears later to the Krum building at the 
corner of State and Tioga streets. His next move was to purchase the stock in 
the store of J. S. Tichenor, which was then in the building on East State street, 
now occupied by S. Harrison. At the same time Mr. Culver bought Tichenor's hat 
manufactory which then stood on the bank of Six Mile Creek, where Sheldon & 



Bliven's livery stable is now situated. This building and its contents were carried 
away by the great flood of 1857. The business of manufacturing hats was never 
resumed after this disaster. Giving his entire attention to the retail sale of hats 
and fur goods, thereafter, Mr. Culver succeeded in building up a good trade and 
in time was able to repair the damage done by the flood. About 1S65 he purchased 
the store building at 64 East State street, which he took possession of a few 
months later and has occupied up to the present time. Mr. Culver is one of the 
reliable, conservative business men of Ithaca. His success has been achieved by 
unremitting industr}', prudence and honorable dealing, through a long term of 
years. 

SHEPHERD & DOYLE. 

In the early history of any community its stores are few and they contain an 
assortment of goods of all kinds so that the various wants of all may be supplied 
at one place. With the growth and development of the village, the era of "coun- 
try stores" passes away, and as the place takes on more and more the character 
of a city, specialty stores are established in which the sale of a certain limited line 
of goods is conducted. During the last few years several such stores have been 
established here. Among them is the ladies' and gentlemen's furnishing goods 
business of Shepherd & Doyle occupying a handsome store at 58 East State street. 
This partnership was formed in the spring of 18S0 and a store was taken at 9 North 
Tioga street. A good trade was soon built up in this place, but after a time the 
firm became desirous of securing a location on the main street. The store at 58 
East State street became vacant, and after it had been modernized with a fine plate 
glass front, and other improvements, was taken possession of by this thriving 
young firm in the spring of 1882. The stock was increased and improved and 
the business took a new impetus. It has prospered well since, the store having 
become the recognized headquarters for gentlemen's furnishing goods in great va- 
riety of cost and make, as well as for many articles of feminine wear, a specialty 
being made of corsets. The display of this class of goods made by the firm at 
the late fair of the County Agricultural Society attracted much attention on ac- 
count of its extent and the large variety of makes shown. 

POST, SHIRP 8c CO. 

With our more rapid strides in the march of progress comes an increasing 
demand for novelty. This demand for novelty is not confined to any one partic- 
ular branch of business, but extends into ek^ery line of industry. A nation less 
blessed in resources could not possibly fill this demand, but what is beyond the 
possibilities of American ingenuity is as yet unlearned. Especially in the way 
of wheeled vehicles for both business and pleasure driving, has this demand for 
novelty been felt within the last year or two, and manufacturers have been com- 
pelled to exercise their ingenuity to the utmost to keep pace with the demand. 
The manufactor)' of four wheeled vehicles having been reduced to such a system 
that the limits of perfection and accuracy have been almost reached, with the 
restlessness and unsatisfiableness peculiar to the American people comes that 
unceasing demand for something new, and the attention of manufacturers has 
consequently been turned to two-wheelers as being possibly the only field that 



that promises to satisf)-, for the present, this craving for novelt)'. But here 
comes a point upon which most of them have been impaled. The English vi'lage 
cart has been a favorite vehicle with fashionable people in England for many- 
years, no English establishment being complete without it, and the village cart 
naturally found its way to this country, as "society" here must have that which 
is pronounced fashionable there. But the English village cart is far from being 
a pleasant vehicle in which to ride, the swinging, jolting motion given to it by 
the horse being, in fact, decidedly disagreeable, while unless a horse of just the 
the proper size is hitched to it, the cart is either tipped up behind and down in 
front, or vice versa, in either case the position of the occupant being an uncom- 
fortable one, and the drive proving anything but pleasurable. Like in the 
wearing of high-heeled and tight fitting shoes, however, the devotees of fashion 
would have them, and as the village cart is principally designed for ladies and 
children, the road cart, in all its various shapes was constructed to supply the 
wants of gentlemen. But this same trouble was experienced with all "two- 
wheelers," village or road carts, and the swinging, jolting motion given to them 
by the horse, and the difficulty of fitting them to large and small horses, was the 
point upon which manufacturers were impaled as it were — the objection which 
they were unable to satisfactorily overcome, while their road carts, also, present- 
ed too much the appearance of a sulk)'. And while a limited number of village 
and road carts were produced, to meet the demands of the extremists of fashion, 
it was quick!}' dis •overed by manufacturers that unless they could snccessfully 
obviate these difficulties, two-wheelers, although they might become fashionable, 
would never attain popularity and come into general use. Manufacturers in all 
parts of the country have attempted the solution of this problem, as this demand 
for novelty became more painfully apparent, but the only really successful solv- 
ers as yet are the Ithaca firm of Post, Sharp & Co., and they have so fully over- 
come these objections and covered every possible and feasible point of improve, 
ment with letters patent, that it is doubtful whether any of the manufacturers will 
continue their attempts, as the solution can hardly be found without infringing 
on their patents. In the Ithaca Road and Village Carts, that swinging, jolting 
motion, so commonly experienced in two-%vheelers, is entirely overcome, while 
the greatest point of improvement is probably in the adjustable shafts, whereby a 
road or village cart can in five minutes time, without necessitating any change in 
harness, be abjusted to fit the largest horse or smallest pony, so that the body of 
the cart sets perfectly level. No road or village cart is perfect unless it can be 
so adjusted and changed at will, and it it is obvious that the only proper place 
where such change can be made is in the shafts. The device used in the Ithaca 
Road and Village Cart consists of a thill provided intermediately of its length 
with a vertically deflecting joint and a clamping device for retaining said joint in 
its requisite angle. It is simple, yet strong and durable. The body is set on a 
platform spring, made expressly for these carts, and hung on these finelj' ad- 
justed springs and perfectly balanced, its motion is as easy as that of the finest 
riding four-wheeled vehicles. The road carts are built with White Chapel, Corn- 
ing and Piano bodies, and do not in the least present the appearance of a sulky, 
or possess the disagreeable features and peculiarities of that vehicle; but are a 




sSS^g^^^l 




light, stylish, easy riding, two-wheeled vehicle of good proportions, strong, well 
made and finely finished. The favor with which the Ithaca Road and Village 
Carts have been received is unprecedented, and in overcoming the difficulties 
which formerly prevented two-wheelers coming into general use. Post, Sharp & 
Co. have evidently paved their way for a brilliant and successful career. The 
history of this concern is a brief one, for it has only been in existence a short 
time. On the 3d day of January, 1882, the copartnership of Post & Sharp was 
formed for the purpose of manufacturing the Ithaca Plow Sulky. The building 
standing on the old Fair Grounds, near the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company's 
works, was secured, and the work of building plow sulkies begun with a force of 
eight workmen. The plow sulkies possess many features of superiority over 
those of other patents, and their manufacture was continued throughout the 3'ear 
with much success. But having obtained patents for the features which make the 
coming into general use of road and village carts not only possible, but more 
than probable, in the latter part of the j'ear (December) they commenced making 
preparations for building the light and tasty two-wheelers which have since met 
with such great success. On the 5th day of January, 1883, Mr. N. S Johnson 
became a member of this copartnership, the title of the firm was changed to Post, 
Sharp & Co., and the work of building road and village carts and skeleton wagons, 
the peculiar features of which are ail covered b}' letters patent, was begun. The 
working force was increased to thirty employes, a S3'stematic method of building the 
vehicles was introduced, and in a month a number were handsomely finished and 
placed upon the market. Success was instantaneous, the Ithaca Road and Vil- 
lage Carts jumped into popularity immediately and the demand was greater than 
the supply. And this demand has not only continued throughout the year, but 
gives promise of a steady and still greater increase as the vehicles are more fully 
introduced and their merits become understood. Several styles of the Ithaca 
Road Cart, with or without tops to suit the needs and tastes of all, are manufac- 
tuJed, which have the same room, the same style of bodies, the same ease and 
comfort that there is in the finest riding sidebar or end spring buggy. Making 
a specialty of the two wheelers they have perfected, and their factory being 
especially equipped for this branch of business. Post, Sharp & Co. have every 
advantage over their competitors and will undoubtedly be the leaders in this in- 
dustry. The main building of their factory is 50x100 feet in dimensions, four 
floors, and the blacksmith shop is 30x50 feet. Both buildings are thoroughly 
equipped with improved labor-saving iron and wood-working machinery, driven 
by an engine of 35 horse power. Adjoining the works is the lumber 3''ard, with 
sheds for storage, and here is a 52-inch circular saw for sawing out the heavj' 
lumber. Of the main building are saws, planers, &c., for working out the many 
pieces entering into the construction of these vehicles, and in the rear of this de- 
partment is the packing and shipping room. The second floor occupied by the 
wood-finishing, gear and body painting (finishing), and upholstering departments. 
The third floor is devoted to the storage of bodies for hardening and the fourth 
fJoor is occupied by the rough painting and rubbing-in departments. An ex- 
cellent hoisting apparatus makes this arrangement of the building as convenient 
as could be desired. The blacksmith shop is equipped with drop hammers, die 



\06 UV\KCN ^H^ \1S RtSO\i^CLS. 

presses, &c., and the most skilled workers in iron, wood and painting are em- 
ployed. With the aid of the machinery and the systematic method adopted, 
the vehicles are rapidly produced and finished in the most highly sat- 
isfactory manner. The production for this their first j'ear will be about 700 
Road and Village Carts and Skeleton Wagons, with the prospects favorable for 
doubling this production next year. Individually, the members of the firm are 
gentlemen peculiarly well fitted for making the business a success. Mr. C. C. 
Post is a capitalist, formerly of Geneva, and well known as a young gentleman 
of enterprise, shrewdness and ability. Mr. D. P. Sharp is a practical man un- 
derstanding the detail of manufacturing, and in superintending the mechanical 
department gives assurance of good workmanship. Mr. N. S. Johnson, by rea- 
son of his large experience in the wagon business in the east and west, is one 
whose abilit}'^ is recognized by the trade, and will do much towards making the 
firm's popularity as great as the merit of their products deserve. They are cer- 
tainly starting under the most auspicious circumstances, and as the policy of 
using only the best material and employing best workmen in the production of 
their vehicles is being carrried out almost to the extreme, there can be no doubt 
as to their future and still greater success. The industry is one that can be de- 
veloped into a large labor employing concern of great value to Ithaca, and these 
gentlemen are undoubtedly on the right way to accomplish that result. 

GEORGE GRIFFIN. 

Undoubtedly the leading merchant tailor of Ithaca is George Griffin, whose 
fine store situated in the Masonic Block, North Tioga street, is a credit to the 
place. The business of which Mr. Griffin is the enterprising and successful pro- 
prietor was founded many years ago by General Charles F. Blood. In 1873 the 
business was removed from a small store on East State street to its present fine 
quarters. Mr. Griffin's connection with the establishment began shortl}' prior to 
that time. In 1882 Gen. Blood withdrew from the business, Mr. Griffin purchas- 
ing the stock and good will. The excellent patronage formerly enjoyed by this 
fine store has been fully maintained under Mr. Griffin's direction. A verj^ large 
and fine stock of cloths is carried, first-class cutters and tailors are employed, and 
the work of the establishment will compare favorably with the best work of metro- 
politan tailors. 

ENZ 8l miller. 

Among the important commercial enterprises of Ithaca, which have had their 
rise and growth during the present decade, one of the leading is the wholesale 
paper and stationery business of Messrs. Enz & Miller, located in the Titus 
Block. The members of this firm for a considerable time were in the emplo}' of 
the late firm of Andrus & McChain. In June, 1878, with a moderate capital, but 
plenty of business experience, a wide commercial acquaintance, and a large 
amount of push and business acumen, the members of this firm, viz. : Frank J. 
Enz and Thomas G. Miller, opened a store at No. 20 North Aurora street. They 
met with success from the beginning and rapidly increased their lines, as their 
volume of trade increased. In the spring of 18S0, finding their store in Aurora 
street too contracted, they removed to their present large and conveniently lo- 



cated store in the Titus Blocli. Success has continued to attend the steps of 
this enterprising firm, their business having tripled since their removal to their 
State street quarters. The stock carried is very large and complete in all re- 
spects, and the reputation of the firm for strict integrity and reliability is widely 
known throughout this section of the state. The rapid growth of their business 
is the natural result of the fitness for the work of its proprietors, the demand 
which existed here for such an establishment and the intelligent manner in 
which it has been conducted from the outset. Further and larger commercial 
prosperity is plainly before this admirably equipped business house. 

ICKLEY'S NEWS ROOM. 

This business was established in 1S50 by Julius Ackley, one of the best 
known earlier residents of the place. This news room was the first business 
of the kind established in Ithaca and was originally in the old post office build- 
ing which stood on the site of the Vant Block on North Tioga street. At the 
death of the original proprietor the business passed into the hands of his daugh- 
ter. Miss Cornelia Ackley, and has continued in her hands to the present time. 
When the post office was removed in 1882 from the Library Building to its pres- 
ent location on State street, a fine store three doors east of the post office was 
leased by Miss Ackley, and her business was transferred from the small frame 
building adjoining the County Clerk's office to its present commodious quarters. 
No. ig East State street. A fine line of stationery and fancy goods has been add- 
to the former stock. A full line of stereoscopic views of Cornell University, and 
of the romantic scenery of Ithaca and vicinity is kept constantly by Miss Ackley, 
and orders by mail are promptly supplied in all cases. The business is in all 
respects the leading one of its kind in this vicinity. 

THE BOSTON YIRIETY STORE. 

This successful and growing business was removed from the neighboring city 
of Binghamton in April, 1S82. At that time it was in the hands of M. H. & E. 
WolS. Several months later the business passed into the hands of Jacob Roths- 
child, the courteous and enterprising manager for the Messrs. WolfT. Under the 
proprietorship of Mr. Rothschild the stock has been largely increased, and the 
volume of trade has grown continuously. The business occupies the basement 
and ground floor of the Smith block, at the northwest corner of State and Aurora 
streets. The fine store is a perfect museum in its endless variety of articles for 
personal and house service and ornamentation. The stock includes a large line 
of ladies' and gentlemen's furnishing goods, china, crockery, glass, tin and wood- 
en ware, bird cages, pictures, toys, lamps, cutler}', and a host of novelties of all 
kinds. This store justly ranks as one of the most interesting and successful new- 
er ventures of the place. 

MRS. L. R. BURRITT. 

In 1867 Mrs. L. A. Burritt opened at 24 East State street what was for several 
years known as the "Thread and Needle store". The business conducted at the 
outset was, as may be imagined, of a small and modest character, but its proprie- 
tor possessed in large measure, as the sequel has shown, the requisites of business 



success, namely, shrewdness, industry and enterprise In 1870 trade had suffi- 
ciently increased to warrant the renting of a larger and better store, and the place 
of business at 30 E. State street, now occupied, was taken possession of. The 
stock in trade was increased by the addition of millinery, ladies' and childrens' 
wear, fancy goods, and embroidery, and business continued to grow each 
year until Mrs. Burritt's establishment has come to be one of the most 
richly stocked and prosperous millinery and fancy goods houses of this 
vicinity. She has only recently returned from a business and pleasure trip to 
Europe, where considerable purchases of fine French hats and fancy goods were 
made in Paris. Other additions to her fine stock were purchased in New York, 
and Mrs. Burritt is once more to be found in her handsome store, refreshed by 
travel, and with much larger and better facilities for supplying the varied wants 
of the feminine public than ever before. 

R RECORD OF FIFTY YEARS. 

In 1832 an office for the practice of dentistry was opened on Seneca street in 
this village by two gentlemen under the associated style of Miles & Dunning. 
This firm enjoyed a respectable patronage for that time, and put into practice no 
little skill and as much knowledge of the art as was available at that compara- 
tively early period in the history of modern dentistry. In course of time the 
firm became Miles & Bartlett, and an office was opened in the Clinton Block. 
At a later date, or to speak more definitely, in January, 1858, the firm of Bartlett 
& Hoysradt was formed and the office in the Clinton Block was continued. 
Much time was passed in the metropolis, alternately, by each member of the 
firm, as each was desirous of securing all the information obtainable regarding 
the newer and advanced methods of practice. In 1859 Dr. G. W. Hoysradt suc- 
ceeded to the full control of the business, and entered upon a prosperous career 
which has gone steadily on to the present time. The quarters in the Clinton 
Block were retained until 1871, when the elegant residence and offices, now oc- 
cupied by Dr. Hoysradt. having been completed, were taken possession of by 
him. The early thorough training and metropolitan experience of Dr. Hoys- 
radt, added to rare natural qualifications, soon gave him a richly deserved 
reputation as an exceedingly skillful operator. With increasing patronage and 
responsibilities came no neglect in the acquirement of newer ideas, methods and 
appliances in dentistry and dental surgery. All that was desirable in the ad- 
vancing stages of the profession was seized upon and embodied in the Doctor's 
practice, and his attractive parlors have in consequence been visited, and his 
skilled services put into requisition, by not onb' our own citizens of the highest 
classes, but by hundreds from surrounding cities and towns, and adjoining 
States as well. All branches of the profession are carried on by Dr. Hoysradt 
and his accomplished assistant Dr. Wm. Hughes, but in the department of filling 
Dr. Hoysradt has now a reputation for skill and delicacy of manipulation not sur- 
passed, if indeed it is equaled, by that of any dental surgeon in this section of 
the State. All other operations upon the natural teeth, and the introduction of 
false teeth by the latest improved methods, are practiced at this establishment. 
It is with pleasure that the large success of Dr. Hoysradt in his chosen profes- 



sion has been dwelt upon. His establishment is a model of unobtrusive ele- 
gance in ail its appointments, a decided ornament and credit to this lovelj'- vil- 
lage, and himself without a superior in the attributes of courteous gentlemanli- 
ness and perfect adaptedness to the profession which he has graced for a quar- 
ter of a centur}'. 

FINCH & ilPGffi. 

The book and stationery business located in the fine brick building at the 
northwest corner of State and Tioga streets, conducted by Messrs. D. F. Finch 
and G. W. Apsjar, was established more than fifty years ago by the late D. D. 
Spencer. The business was formerly located in a building occupying a site di- 
rectly west of the Ithaca Hotel. At the death of the founder, his son, Spence 
Spencer, succeeded to the business. In iS6o it was purchased by Geo. W. Apgar, 
who in turn sold to Dudley F. Finch. Mr. Finch later became associated with J. 
B. Taylor, and by these gentlemen the business was transferred to its present lo- 
cation. The building originally occupied having been destroyed by fire, the hand- 
some block now standing on this site was erected in 1868 and has since continu- 
ously been occupied as a book store. Mr. Apgar who had been absent in Cort- 
land and New York returned to Ithaca in 1873 and opened a book store in the 
Hotel Block. A few months later a second copartnership was formed by Messrs, 
Finch and Apgar, and the business for nine years has gone on very prosperously 
under their joint ownership. A large and fine stock of books, University and 
school text books, mathematical instruments, gold pens, stationery, and wall pa- 
per is carried, and an excellent and growing patronage is enjoyed. A very com- 
plete book-bindery is conducted in connection with the store, and blank books 
and writing pads are also manufactured in considerable quantities, two stories of 
the south store of the new Cornell-Smith Block on South Tioga street being oc- 
cupied for these purposes. A fair demand for this class of goods has already been 
established in several of the larger commercial centres of the country, and the 
prospects are good for the building up of an important trade in this department. 

MDREWS & SLDRICH. 

The firm whose name heads this article, though only recently formed, is in 
point of the extent of business transacted under its management, entitled to rank 
among the leading mercantile houses of Ithaca. The firm was organized in 1881 
and the stock of the large business which had been for a number of years success- 
fully conducted by D. B. Stewart in the building now occupied by Andrews & 
Aldrich, was purchased. Both members of the firm brought into the business a 
considerable amount of experience and a large stock of push, pluck and enter- 
prise. I. C. Andrews, the senior member, had been in the employ of D. B. Stew- 
art for five years, and prior to that time, for four years had been in charge of the 
crockery and grocery department of the large store of H. L. Wilgus and his im- 
mediate successors. Fred E. Aldrich began business on his own account seven 
years ago in McLean, where with C. R. Williams he operated a small store for the 
sale of general merchandise, under the style of C. R. Williams & Co. Mr. Will- 
iams' share in the business was afterwards sold to E. E. Ellis, of Etna, and the 
business was removed to that village. The firm of Ellis & Aldrich had a prosper- 
ous career for two years when Mr. Aldrich sold out his share to his partner, and 



removed to Ithaca to enter the partnership with I. C. Andrews. The large busi- 
ness which these young but pushing merchants succeeded to, has been constantly 
increased, and never was more prosperous than at present. During the past year 
the sales have been greater than in any previous year in the history of the busi- 
ness done in that store. The trade of the firm extends into many surrounding 
counties of this State, and into Pennsylvania also. They are manufacturers of 
several cheap brands of cigars, and of confectionery of excellent quality and to a 
considerable extent. Their business as wholesale dealers in fruit is the most ex- 
tensive in the place, and in addition they operate an excellent bakery and retail 
groceries and provisions iu large quantities. The business gives employment to 
about fifteen men and the firm's sales for the year will aggregate $roo,ooo. This 
is a splendid showing for this young, and go-ahead firm, and forms a good illus- 
tration ot the old truism that "pluck makes luck." 

GEORGE RINKIN & SON. 

From a humble start made many years ago, when the highest demand in 
the trade of this locality was for nothing richer than white china ornamented 
with plain gold bands, the business of George Rankin & Son, at 42 East State 
street, has steadily grown and the character of the trade changed and improved, 
until now the demand is large for the best imported china and cut glass ware, 
fine bronzes, and the most elaborate wares known to the trade generally. A full 
supply of goods of this nature is kept constantly on hand by them, or procured 
from time to time to meet the growing higher taste of the public. But before 
dwelling more in detail upon the resources of this well known and very success- 
ful firm a short sketch of its origin and growth will not be uninteresting. George 
Rankin came in 1856 to this village from New York City, where he had been en 
engaged in the crockery and glass ware trade. He quietly opened a small store 
in the Pumpelly Block and proceeded to build up a business. By honest deal- 
ing and close industry a living patronage was soon secured, and later years 
have brought further prosperity. In 1869, his son George S. Rankin, who had 
had an excellent business training of six years' duration with a large New York 
house in the same line, entered into the partnership, and through the joint ef- 
forts of father and son the volume of trade was much increased, the stock was 
enlarged and improved from time to time, and the commercial prosperity of the 
firm has continued to grow. Three years ago the block in which the store had 
all along been located was finely remodeled and improved. The front was re- 
built in the Queen Anne style, fine plate glass windows were made to replace 
the old-time windows with their small panes of common glass, and the exterior 
of the building became through these changes by far the handsomest in the 
village. A feature of the front worthy especial mention is that it possesses a 
large and fine sun dial, consisting of an extended bronze arm, in the hand of 
which is held an inverted lance, and beneath this is painted an arc upon which 
in gilt figures are the hours of the day. ranging from i to 12. The front is also 
decorated with fine colored glass from the works of the artist, John LaFarge. 
With the changes in the front of the block came other important improvements. 
The building was extended at the rear making its dimensions 100x33 feet, its 
floors and walls were renewed, and its appointments finely improved in all ways. 



With the development of their trade the Rankins have come to occupj' in addi- 
tion to the fine main store of the block, the rear half of the adjoining store 
which is used as a packing room ; the basement under both stores, where goods 
in bulk are stored, and a handsome display room on the second floor, 75x18 
feet. A visit to this establishment reveals a most interesting and creditable dis 
play of the finest wares peculiar to the trade. Here are elegant Hnviland china, 
in tea, fruit and dinner sets, beautiful Limoges and Faience goods rich Japan- 
ese porcelains, in salad bowls and after dinner cofTees, fine hand painted Dres- 
den china, in placques, vases, and salad bowls. Here also may be seen the 
newest designs in elegant library lamps of polished bronze, with prisms, vase 
lamps of real bronze in numerous striking designs, and other handsome vase 
lamps. A feature meriting special mention is a line of the finest polished cut 
glass-ware. These poods are the richest cutting produced. Tiffan}-, of New 
York, having nothing finer, and the cost is moderate when the quality of glass 
and the excellence of their cutting are taken into account. The long experience 
of the Messrs. Rankin in the trade has given them a wide acquaintance with 
leading dealers and manufacturers everywhere, and any articles not in their 
store can be procured by them promptly for their patrons, at the same price asked 
in the cities, and with the saving to buyers of freight and risk ot transportation. 
In addition to a fine line of rich and costly goods, carried by Messrs Rankin, 
they have in stock a great variety of English tea and dinner sets varying in co^^t 
from $5.00 to $65.00 a set, and a large assortment of the cheaper and more staple 
wares of the trade. A speciality is made of fine and useful wedding, holiday, 
and anniversary gifts. With such a stock to select from no one need find it ne- 
cessary to go to the metropolis for fine presents. None of the near-by cities con- 
tain a store of the sort which carries as fine a line of rich goods. The establish- 
ment of Messrs. Rankin & Son is indeed a credit to Ithaca, and enterprise such 
as is displayed by this firm deserves the fullest support and encouragement. 

JOHN NORTHRUP. 

The business career of the subject of this sketch embraces a period of forty 
busy, prosperous years. John Northrup's first venture in a business way on his 
own account was made in 1843, when he bought the stock of Messrs. Hunter & 
Heggie contained m a store which formerly occupied the site of the present store 
of Samuel Harris, at 52 East State street. The stock consisted of trunks, har- 
ness, etc. and in connection with the sale of these goods, Mr. Northrup carried 
on the trade of carriage trimming. Two j'ears and a half later he removed to 
the carriage shop of Wm. S. Hoyt, then occupying the ground where now stands 
Small's planing mill at the corner of Green and Tioga streets. In 1865 Mr. Nor- 
thrup bought of the James S. Tichenor estate the brick block at the southeast 
corner of State and Aurora streets. There he began the sale of sewing machines, 
spring beds and Butterick's patterns, abandoning after a time the sale of harness, 
and work of carriage trimming. In 1876 he removed to a store in the Journal 
Block, which he occupied until May of this year, when he bought of J. M. Heg- 
gie, his fine store building, at 73 East State street, taking possession soon after. 
Thus after an interval of 40 years Mr. Northrup for a second time succeeded 



Mr. Heggie, in the first instance to his stock in trade, and latterly' to his store. 
He now deals extensively in the New Home and other sewing machines, spring 
beds, mattresses, and Butterick's fashion patterns. 

E. ¥. PRIGER. 

The business career of E. W. Prager covers a period of onl}' eight years yet 
contains much that is of interest and has had in its progress not a few achieve- 
ments upon which he may look with just pride. Mr. Prager was but seventeen 
years of age when he began to give instruction in dancing. In addition to his 
natural qualifications in the form of endurance and ease of motion, the young 
teacher displayed no small amount of patience and tact in imparting to pupils the 
principles of dancing. The result has been that he has had large success in this 
line of work. During the eight seasons which have passed since Mr. Prager's 
debut A?, a teacher of dancing he has given instruction to many hundreds of pupils 
in Ithaca, Cortland, Owego, Trumansburg, Farmer Village, and other surround- 
ing places. He has made several trips to New York meanwhile to perfect himself 
in new styles of dancing and has continued to progress in his knowledge of the 
art, as well as his ability to instruct others in tiiu acquirement of its rudiments, 
or carry them successfully through the more complicated steps and movements in- 
volved in the many prevailing styles ot waltzes, and other difficult dances. While 
Mr. Prager has been making for himself an enviable standing in the art of danc- 
ing and its successful teaching, he has also been engaged in a number of business 
enterprises. For a time, in connection with J. H. Prager, he manufactured cigars, 
and during a year or two engaged in the traveling sale of these goods. In 1878. 
when the Lehigh Valley House was built, he became with his father joint proprie- 
tor of the business. Two years later he purchased the business and fine fittings 
of the Windsor restaurant, situated in the Clinton Block, on North Cayuga street. 
This is one of the most handsomely fitted and conveniently appointed restaurants 
in this locality. It is conducted in an excellent manner \>y Mr. Prager and enjoys 
a large and first-class patronage As a member of the Ithaca Fire Department 
Mr. Prager has had considerable prominence for so young a man. Beginning as 
a lad in the capacity of torch boy to the chief, then Barnum R. Williams, he rose 
in a few years to be foreman of Torrent Hose Co. No. 5, and was elected to the 
office for three successive terms, viz, in 1S78. 1879 and 1880. In 1881 he was 
chosen 2d assistant chief of the department, and in the following year he became ist 
assistant chief. Although his name was prominently mentioned as a possible 
candidate for chief engineer at the expiration of his term as first assistant, his 
business and professional engagements were such as to make it unwise for him to 
accept the position, and he therefore declined to allow his name to be used. 
Something over a j'ear ago Mr. Prager was tendered the position of drum major 
of the 50th Regiment Band, an excellent musical organization whose reputation is 
not by any means limited to this place. Although not familiar with the duties of 
the position when appointed, he began at once with customary energy to prepare 
himself for the creditable discharge of the requirements of the place. It was not 
long before he could wield the baton with the skill of a veteran. The uniform he 
purchased was one of the most showy and expensive owned by any drum major 
in the State. On parade, as in the ball room, Mr. Prager is graceful in move- 



ment, and iji all respects makes a model drum major. Recentl}' Mr. Prager was 
chosen business manager of the band, to succeed S. W. Walker. The readiness 
with which he adapts himself to new lines of work, and the large amount of en- 
ergy which he possesses will make him a successful manager, and bring larger 
popularity and prosperity to the 50th Band. 

NOURSE 8c DEDERER. 

Several years ago a business was started by Charles M. Titus in the east 
store of the fine block on West Siate street bearing his name, which in the fall of 
1881 passed into the hands of Messrs. Nourse & Dederer, and by them has been 
developed into a large and in-iportant enterprise. The business, as conducted by 
the present proprietors, consists of the manufacture of light and heavy platform 
wagons, fine buggies in man}' styles, and two-seated carriages. Thej' are agents 
here for the celebrated Jackson lumber wagon, the Triumph reaper, Phelps chilled 
plow, Clipper mower, and Farmers' Friend grain drill. Their store, which is a 
very large one, contains a complete line of carriage goods of all kinds, horse 
clothing, harnesses, single and double, light and heav)', whips, brushes, etc. 
The establishment of Messrs. Nourse & Dederer is a first class one in all respects, 
and their stock not surpassed by that of any similar concern in this part 0/ the 
state. It supplies a need long felt in this place, and the rapidly growing patron- 
age of the firm is a forcible indication of the excellence of the goods handled, 
and of the thorough trustworthiness of the gentlemen who conduct the business. 

JIMIESON 8l MC KINNEY. 

It is a standing joke that plumbers invariabl}' get very rich in a few years. 
While this is far from being true, there are occasionally cases, in which, as in 
other occupations, the honest}', fair-dealing, and enterprise of the plumber find 
just recognition at the hands of ihe public, and a fair amount of business pros- 
perity is the result. The experience of the firm of Jamieson & McKinney, the 
well-known and reliable plumbers, gas and steam fitters, and wholesale dealers 
in plumber's goods, of this place, has fortunately been of this sort. In May, 
1873, the senior member of this firm, John M. Jamieson, a practical plumber and 
gas fitter, bought of the Ithaca Gas & Water Company, their stock in trade and 
good will. There was at the time in the employ of the Gas & Water Company, a 
young man, who was recommended to Mr. Jamieson, as a faithful, valuable clerk 
and bookkeeper. The business prospered in Mr. Jamieson's hands from the first. 
From doing the bulk of the work in Ithaca, including the plumbing of a number 
of the many large and fine residences erected on East Hill during the last ten 
years, the business has extended into surrounding counties, in which many large 
contracts for steam and gas fitting have been skillfully and successfully executed. 
The plumbing of the splendid McGraw-Fiske mansion was done by Mr. Jamie- 
son and his corps of workmen. In February, 1S83, James A. McKinney, the 
young man who began with Mr. Jamieson, and had served faithfully and well 
during the preceding ten years, became a member of the firm. Jamieson & Mc- 
Kinney have now on hand the plumbing and steam fitting for the new Physical 
Laboratory of Cornell University, and the large depot building of the Lehigh 
Valley R. R. Co., at Wilkesbarre, Pa. They employ a force of from twelve to 



fifteen men, and are wholesale dealers in pipe, steam and gas fittings, and plumb- 
er's materials. All important work is done under the personal supervision of the 
senior member of the firm, who is one of the most experienced and successful 
workmen in his line in this section of the state. There is without doubt a long 
and highly successful business career in store for this pushing, worthy firm. 

CENTRAL N, Y. ACCIDENT AND RELIEF ASSOCIATION. 

The Central New York Accident and Relief Association of Ithaca opened 
their books for business in 1881. The founders are business men of Ithaca who 
felt confident that there was a demand for such an organization in Central New 
York. A charter was applied for and granted, permanent!}' locating the organi- 
zation in Ithaca. With but very little soliciting the society has grown to a mem- 
ship of about 800, already giving a large insurance at a trifling cost. The 
amount of benefit will soon reach S2000 to the heirs of members in case of death, 
one-half of which is paid to the insured while living in case of permanent total 
disability by accident. The death assessment of the oldest member during the 
present year has been but $1.12 and to the j'oungest member but 50 cents. The 
schedule of assessments is equitably graded, ranging from 50 cents to $1.12 ac- 
cording to age. It comes within the ability of everj' laboring and business man 
to meet and thereby make extra provisions for his family against the day of ad 
versity. Local boards have been established in nearly every town in this and 
adjoining counties. Newfield reports 60, Spencer 80, Waverly 54, Ithaca I2j, 
other towns ranging from 10 to 25 members. The organization has every pros- 
pect ot becoming one of the strongest as well as cheapest and most secure bene- 
ficiary societies in the state. The following are the directors and officers ■. Di- 
rectors — Levi Kenney, Dr. E. J. Morgan, Sen., F. M. Bush, Dr. E. J. Morgan, 
Jr., O. P. Hyde. A. N. Hungerford, D. F. VanVleet, W. O. Wyckoff, George 
V. Benjamin, George H. Northrup, Ithaca ; William F. Seeley, Waverly. OflS- 
cers — President, Levi Kenney ; Treasurer, George H. Northrup ; Medical Di- 
rector, Dr. E. J. Morgan, Jr. ; General Agent, F. M. Bush ; Secretary and Su 
perintendent of Agencies, George V. Benjamin. 

HARRISON HOWARD. 

The business of which Harrison Howard is now the sole proprietor has been 
in existence for sixty one years, having been established by the late Frederick 
Deming in 1822. Originally the business was located in a store on the present 
site of the Deming Block, but later was removed to the storerooms now occupied. 
In 1857 Howard & Spencer purchased the business. Thomas Clement, of Lock- 
port, N. Y., purchased Spencer's interest in 1861, and the firm of Howard & Cle- 
ment conducted the business until September, 1882, since which time Mr. How- 
ard has been the sole proprietor. This old established and favorably known house 
has for many years enjoyed an excellent patronage, and held its trade despite the 
eflforts of pushing competitors. The line of goods in stock is very large and em- 
braces, in addition to great quantities of staple wares, much rich and expensive 
furniture, and all that is desirable in the novelties of the trade. Mr. Howard has 
been not only a thorough and successful business man, but he has been one of the 



\1WKCk kU\i US RLSO\i?.GLS. 



Wl 



—^^-^^^ 




strongest supporters of popular education. He was intimately associated with 
Mr. Cornell and other gentlemen in the formation of plans for the establishment 
of Cornell University and has always continued a staunch friend of the insti- 
tution. 

THE ITHSCa HOTEL. 

The great fire of August, 1871, destroying the old Ithaca Hotel, the large frame 
structure built in 1S09 by Judge Gere, work was begun in the fall on the hand- 
some five-story brick building now bearing the name and in 1872 it was completed 
at a cost of $64,000 and opened to the public, having been finely fitted up and 
furnished throughout. The old Ithaca Hotel had been popularly managed by Col. 
W. H. Welch since 1866, and a few years prior to its destruction Orlando B. 
Welch had been associated with his father in its management. Under the proprie- 
ship of Col. Welch & .Son the new Ithaca was opened and successfully conducted 
until the death of Col. Welch in 1873, when a stock company bought the proper- 
ty and the proprietorship of the hotel passed into the hands of Alexander Sher- 
man & Son, then recently proprietors of the Sherman House, Syracuse. In 1880 
Frederick Sherman withdrew and returned to Syracuse, leaving the business here 
in the hands of his father, who has since had the entire charge of it. The large 
responsibilities and very considerable labor required in the management of this 
important enterprise, in which Mr. Sherman has for several years been assisted by 
Porter B. Jones, have of late weighed heavily on him, on account of his advanc- 
ing years, and it is understood that he meditates retiring at no distant day from 
the conduct of this fine business. No house in this section of the State is more 
eligibly located, or better adapted to the enjoyment of a large and paying patron- 
age, and with the growing business importance of Ithaca as well as the wider ex- 
tension of the acquaintance of the public with the great natural attractions of this 
place and its vicinity as a summer resort, the business of the hotels in general, 
and of this fine property in particular is destined to greatl}' increase and 
prosper. 



THOMAS F. DOHERTY. 

From time to time there have been various billiard parlors in operation in 
Ithaca, some of which have had for a season a large patronage and have been the 
source of considerable profit tothe proprietors. Possibly the most successful ven- 
ture of this kind made here is the business conducted by Thos. F. Dohert}' in the 
Grant Block, over 14 and 16 East State street. Mr. Doherty began this business 
in the spring of 1879, when four Coliender billiard and two pool tables were put in 
to his parlors. The excellent manner in which the business was conducted, to- 
gether with the superiority of the tables and equipments, and personal populari- 
ty of the proprietor soon won for his place a large and first class patronage, and 
this prosperity has continued steadil)' up to the present time. Recentl}' the 
rooms were handsomely decorated and improved making them a model of at- 
tractive neatness. 

THE TOMPKINS HOUSE. 

This popular and well-known hostler3' has a history running back to 1832, when 
a small one-story-and-a-half frame building occupied the site of the at- 
tractive four story structure now standing at the northwest corner of Seneca and 
Aurora streets. Very little change was made in the appearance of the premises 
until 1865, when Samuel Holmes and his son in-law, A. B. Stamp, bought the 
propert)'. Messrs. Holmes & Stamp caused the house to be completel}'^ re-built, 
and greatly enlarged and improved the place. Under the direction of these well- 
known and successful proprietors the Tompkins House soon became very popu- 
lar, and a fine patronage was received. Mr. Stamp's health failed after a few 
years and he was obliged to withdraw from the joint proprietorship of the house. 
After remaining several years on a farm, he returned to Ithaca and again became 
a part owner of the Tompkins House. In 1877 Mr Holmes withdrew, leaving Mr. 
Stamp to conduct the business alone, and under his capable management the 
Tompkins House has enjoyed for six years an uninterrupted tide of prosperity. 
Within the past year the house has undergone a thorough renovation, many im- 
provements have been made, and it is now one of the best hotels in Ithaca. 

E. K. JOHNSON. 

One of the neatest and best kept retail groceries in Ithaca is the store of E.K. 
Johnson, located in the Hibbard Block at the corner of State and Cayuga streets. 
The site of the present stoie is noted in the history of Ithaca as the scene of the 
first murder occurring within the village precincts. In a small frame building 
which formerly stood on this ground, Guy C. Clark, a shoemaker, brutally killed 
his wife. Upon the completion of the brick block in 1847 the late H. F. Hib- 
bard opened therein a general merchandise and variet)- store. Upon his sign 
was a bee hive and the bus)', bustling appearance of the store at most times of 
the day or evening made this device significant and appropriate. The business 
passed successively through the hands of H. F. Hibbard, Hibbard & Atwater, 
Atwater & Nichols, Kenney, Byington & Co. and Col. K. S. Van Voorhees, who 
managed it as a cooperative store. In 1869 when this business was about to 
collapse the stock was purchased by the Johnson Brothers, E. K. and D. N. 
This copartnership continued until 1878, since which time the business has been 
conducted solely by E. K. Johnson, who in addition to being one of the most 



popular and thriving younger merchants of Ithaca, enjoys the distinction of hav- 
ing been one of the best County Treasurers Tompkins County ever had. 

F. ¥. BROOKS. 

No person with any natural refinement can enter a store such as that of F. 
W. Brooks, with its beautiful plate glass front, its glistening cases filled with rich 
silver ware, elegant jewelry, delicate china, and a host of attractive articles of 
kindred character, without experiencing a feeling of admiration and having his 
taste for the beautiful increased thereby. Its proprietor, Frederick W. Brooks, 
though still one of the younger business men of the place, has had a considerable 
practical experience. After a faithful apprenticeship of several years duration at 
the old established jewelry house of Joseph Burritt, Mr. Brooks in 1864 became 
a partner of I. C. Burritt, the firm name being Burritt, Brooks & Co. In 1875 he 
withdrew from this copartnership and taking the neat store at 50 East State street, 
began business on his own account. An excellent trade was established at this 
place but in course of time the business outgrew the dimensions of the store, and 
negotiations were opened with Judge D. Boardman for the lease of the store at 
54 East State street, which was then in course of repair and improvement. This 
attractive place of business Mr. Brooks took possession of in November, 1882. 
Many of his friends predicted that disaster would follow this movement, but his 
enterprise, however, did not bring him loss. On the contrary, a much larger pat- 
ronage was soon secured. A glance through the establishment now reveals a 
most attractive display of rich wares. Here are watches in great variety, fine 
jewelry, diamonds, silver and plated ware, fine table cutlery, beautiful lamps of 
unique design and richest workmanship, delicate Sevres, and Limoges China 
and Wedgwood ware, porcelain placques, and a host of other elegant and expen- 
sive articles. In the department of engraving and repairing the most skillful 
workmanship is displayed, Mr. Brooks retaining the services in this connection 
of his brother, C. H. Brooks, an experienced practical jeweler. No finer selection 
of wedding, birthday or holiday presents could be made in the metropolis than 
may be had at this finely conducted store. It is a pleasure to write of a busi- 
ness so admirably complete in all its features as that which has been briefly de- 
scribed in this sketch and a high degree of success is justly due its worthy pro- 
prietor. 

PSRIS & EMIG. 

The shaving and bathing establishment of Messrs. Paris & Emig located in 
the Ithaca Hotel Block is probably the largest and most completely appointed 
shop of the kind in any of the smaller cities of the State. The copartnership ex- 
isting between Harry Paris and Adam Emig was formed in 1878. The fine rooms 
in the Hotel Block were completelj' refitted and finely improved making them the 
handsomest place for the business of any in this section of the State. By close 
attention to business and the most capable management a large patronage was 
soon secured and the excellent reputation early obtained has been continuously 
enjoyed and a large and growing trade is now done at this establishment. Six ex- 
pert barbers are employed, the bath rooms are finely conducted and in all respects 
the shop of Paris & Emig is a first-class one and worthy of continued prosperity. 



¥. H. ¥ILLSON. 

Among the many first-class mercantile establishments in Ithaca, none are 
more deserving of mention in this work than the store of W. H. Willson, in the 
Sprague Block, No. 51 East State street. This is one of the most elegant stores 
in the village and contains a stock of hats, caps, gloves, furs and robes that 
would only be expected from such an establishment in the larger cities. It is 
undoubtedly the largest stock of these goods in the county, and the fact that 
many countr)' merchants come here to lay in their stock is an evidence that the 
stock and prices are appreciated. Mr. Willson's trade is both wholesale and 
retail. He is a native of Ithaca, and for a number of years was a commercial 
traveler for a prominent New York house. In 1868 he returned to his native 
place and opened a hat store in a building near the old Ithaca Hotel. Three 
years ago he secured the elegant storeroom in the Sprague Block and here his 
business has largel)' increased, as it properly should with such splendid facili- 
ties for making a pleasing display of goods, and he is now recognized as the 
leader in this particular line of trade in this section. 

J. T. MORRISON. 

One of the most successful merchants in Ithaca, J. T Morrison can look 
back with pride upon the man)' years he has spent in the mercantile trade. 
When quite a young boy he began his apprenticeship as a clerk in the service of 
Ludlowville and Rochester merchants. Four years of his earlj' life was thus 
passed in gaining a knowledge of busines affairs, and after three more years 
thus given to the acquirement of experience — the latter three at the store of 
Finch & Stowell, where the store of Marsh & Hall now stands — he embarked in 
business for himself at Ludlowville, in 1851. For seven 3'ears he conducted bus- 
iness there with much success, and in 1858 removed to Ithaca and formed the co- 
partnership of Morrison, Woodworth & Granger, at No. 22 East State street. In 
i860 the firm was changed to Morrison & Woodworth, and in 1861 it became 
Morrison, Hawkins & Co. At this location Mr. Morrison continued until iSfjQ.when 
here solved to be his own partner, and severing his connections with the firm of 
Morrison, Hawkins & Co., opened a store at the corner of Tioga and State 
streets, his present location. Just at this time the great shrinkage in the value 
of merchandise occurred which proved disastrous to so many merchants through- 
out the country, and it was then he displayed his peculiar adaptability for 
business, for despite the unfavorable condition of affairs in the country, he suc- 
cessfully passed through the ordeal and probably made more money than at any 
time during his previous business experience. Again in 1873, was he severely 
tried, a portion of his store building being burned to the ground, entailing con- 
siderable loss, but he was equal to the occasion, and immediately re building 
began business with renewed vigor. Success has since uniformlj- marked his ca- 
reer, and to-day he occupies a position that is unassailable. Originally dealing 
in dry goods exclusively, about eight years ago Mr. Morrison added carpets to 
his stock, and last year in pursuance of the policy of his competitors, added 
merchant tailoring, employing his own cutter and making the department com- 
plete. Two storerooms, forming an Z, are occupied, the entrance to the dry 



goods department being on State, and to the merchant tailoring department on 
Tioga street. The basement is occupied by the carpet department. Large and 
fine stocks of goods fill every department, and it is safe to say there is not an es- 
tablishment in the village in which the details are more closely looked after or 
that is better managed. The business this year is showing an increase of nearly 
50 per cent over preceding ones, and the sales will probably amount to $65,000 
for the year. 

JAMES QUIGG. 

David Quigg was a native of New Hampshire, and one of those sturdy 
young men who form the pioneer element in new and unimproved countries. 
He was born in 1781 and was only eighteen years of age when he left his home 
to become one of the settlers in the then uninhabited wilds of Central New York, 
He bought a piece of land near Spencer and had cleared off a portion of it when 
he became somewhat dissatisfied with his land on account of its stony nature 
and returned to his "down East" home. He was mucli attracted, however, by 
the opportunities offered in this new country and in iSoi returned. Mr. Quigg 
bought a piece of land on the south side of Cascadilla Creek, just opposite 
Williams' Cascadilla Mills, an(J building upon it a log structure he opened the 
first store in which goods were offered for sale in this vicinity. Every merchanta- 
ble article was kept on sale -to eat, to drink, to heal the sick, clothe the body or 
till the soil. Here he remained in business for some years and when the village 
began to grow he moved to Seneca street, opposite the present site of the Tomp- 
kins House. He retired from business with a competence in 1848 and left his 
store in the hands of his sons, J. W. and James Quigg. In 1853 they removed 
to No. 33 East State street, where the business was continued by the brothers as 
a firm until 1865, since which time it has been conducted by James Quigg alone. . 
David Quigg died in 1862, having lived to see the village in which he opened 
the first store when it contained only two or three houses, become one of the , 
largest and most prosperous villages in New York, and his son occupying the 
same position, relatively, to its business interests that he did when he was a 
young man and the village was in its infancy. The business of James Quigg is 
in a flourishing condition, and the recollections of himself and his deceased 
father, could they be obtained, would forma complete history of the "Forest 
City," for in father and son has been witnessed its rise, progress and growth. 

H. M. STRMSSMSN. 

The "Banner Clothing Store" is so well known to all residents of Tompkins 
County that a brief sketch of the establishment and its proprietor will prove of 
interest to many readers. Mr. H. M. Straussman is a native of Germany, and 
came to Ithaca from New York City about twelve years ago Pleased with the 
locality, he opened a store on State street for the sale of ready-made clothing and 
merchant tailoring. The goods in which he dealt, and the principles upon which 
his business was conducted, merited and met with popular approval, and as a 
consequence new customers were constantly being added to his list of patrons. 
His business steadily increased and his success as a clothier became so marked 



\22 \^V\f\C,N KU\^ ns RLSOVi^CLS 

as to draw to his store the best class of custom. About four years ago, his busi- 
ness having entirely outgrown the quarters occupied, he secured the three story 
building at No. 40 East State street and fitted it up for conducting the business on 
a large scale. Here his success has been still more marked, and it has come to 
be acknowledged that he has secured the position of the leading clothier in Ithaca 
by his enterprise and appreciation of the wants of the people. The building in 
which is the "Banner Clothing Store'' is a tine three-story brick structure and gives 
excellent opportunities for the manufacture and display of goods. The first floor 
is devoted to the displa3rof ready made suitings and gents' furnishing goods. On 
the second floor are shown overcoats and cloths. The third floor is occupied by 
the tailoring department. Mr. Straussman employs eighteen people and is un- 
doubtedly the largest and leading clothier in the count}'. It is well known that 
he has always kept the better grades of ready made clothing, and in the merchant 
tailoring department principally imported goods are made up. To the knowledge 
of these facts by the people he is doubtless largely indebted for his success. That 
this success will continue and he retain the position he has gained and now oc- 
cupies, as the leader in this trade, there is no doubt in the minds of those who 
are acquainted with Mr. Straussman and his honorable methods of doing business. 

CONCLUSION. 

My task is done. If you have continued with me from the beginning, re- 
mained my companion through all my ramble in and about the "Forest City," 
you must now be of the opinion that Ithaca is more than an "obscure village in 
the central part of New York;" that it is really an industrial, as well as an educa- 
tional centre of importance, and that here is one of the most striking combina- 
tions of romantic scenery, advanced industry and educational development to be 
found in all this great country. And now I will say adieu, hoping that I have 
not only interested you, but that my work will prove beneficial to the village of 
Ithaca as well as to you, by thus calling your attention to the 'Forest City" and 
its numerous attractions. 




